Unfortunately my least favourite of the shorts so far (and overall). While the opening sequence is pretty sweet, it doesn't match up to it. I didn't like any of the characters in this, and that's in terms of actual likeability and being interesting. It was nice getting to see a chestburst (and seeing some effects this time) but I don't think it worked well. It was just a little on the dull side for me.
In terms of the leading woman thing...as has been addressed, it was a criteria for these shorts, among others of being an echo back to Alien since these are in celebration of the 40th anniversary.