This is where I am as well... I do not see an issue with what is being done here. I dont see anything core to the story that is harmed by adding diversity in appearance.
I had a bit of a problem with it in WoT because the Two Rivers was an isolated community as a core part of the story. They were in no way multi-cultural or racial, they were actually quite zenophobic and mistrustful of outsiders. Rand stuck out like a sore thumb for hisappearance, and later when refugees started pouring in to the area it was a big deal that they were not just accepted, but embraced.
Of course WoT has been thouroughly butchered in its adaptation either way.