I'm not getting the proper graphic in the damage display for new mechs. For instance: the Annihilator graphic shows up as a Sunder. Am I missing something? I know these exist in some form because MWL has them for avatars.

MWL has them for avatars but they were never but into the game. The reason that the anni shows up as a sunder is so that when you pick it in the lobby it says "IS Assault".

I think this issue has been around since MP1. It had to do with (iirc) Mektek not being able to modify that part of the code. So when Mektek did MP1 they picked the mech display that was similar. i.e. IS assualt, clan medium.....

Can't MekTek get any assistance from Microsoft about these things? Although most people use HTAL mode, i use the 'gfx mode' more as i'm able to remember w/c part of the mech is the LT/CT/RT and would love to see the 'gfx modes' too for all the new mechs.

Microsoft help... with something that won't make money?

I don't pay much attention to the display anymore. I look for burn marks then smoke/fire.