My interpretation is that Lydia, Sam and Barb has had great character growth throughout the game which makes their characters even more likable than they originally were. Audrey also has had character growth, but not as much due to her being in a better situation from the start.
Audrey has also lost the main advantage she had in the beginning of the game of being the rock that MC can always lean on. Lydia and Mary was drags as much as they were support. Barb was also very supportive but she was also someone who was involved in his arrest. Now MC and the girls support each other very well. So Audrey doesn't have that advantage anymore.
Audrey was the unavailable virgin; now she has lost that advantage. It might be wrong to think that way, but it's how a lot of us roll.
I just went with the one I thought was the prettiest, which at the moment of choosing was Sam. It might be someone else tomorrow, since they are all beautiful in their own way. Or next time I might choose on the basis of importance to the MC, which would always (to me) be Lydia.
You both make valid points, and I can't say with any honesty at all, I haven't written Lydia to be the clear favorite in the game. Not to say I don't like all the characters equally. But, I always wanted there to be something special with her.
I'm happy to see a lot more diversity in the poll this time around. Sam was always going to be a character who had a lot of potential for growth.
I also think we're seeing Audrey struggle more now then she did earlier in the game, because life can't stay good or bad for anyone, for too long. So, now is her time to be vulnerable. Yes, she's also lost her V card, but that was always going to happen. I get the unattainable innocent thing. It's definitely something I'm into as well. Which is part of the reason for her character.
Side note, I think people will like Sam and Barb even more after this next update. But, I of course won't be spoiling that, and it's nothing at all sexual anyway.