Early 2023 was still Holo at its worst, I think. Remember, Kiara would seriously consider graduation a few months later.
Whereas Niji was still riding its high and management had only changed in the last couple months.
Chances are, the differences weren't as pronounced as they are now, and possibly even the opposite, with Niji still looking better ("We've hit a snag, but we're sure our new management will come to grips with it soon.“ vs "We got new management, but God knows if it has more of a clue than the lsst retard.")