The front of the packaging (at the bottom) mentions the 16x leverage stat as being the ratio of the distance from hinge to the start of the cutter vs the distance from the hinge to the end of the handles. In other words, it's a new way of saying the cutters are pretty much exactly the same as every other pair of diagonal cutters out there.
I think the new handle shape could be an improvement over many of their older comfort gripped designs from the past if they are comfortable to hold. They ride pretty flush with the frame so they should slip easily in and out of tool bag loops and pockets. Many other brands seem to forget how important that aspect of tool design is to many of their target customers.
However, it would have also been nice if they hadn't left large chunks of bare metal on the handles. At least on the diagonal cutters. If you happen to accidentally cut through a hot electrical wire with the diagonal cutters, the electricity will now travel effortlessly and efficiently into your hand and throughout your body. Come on Craftsman, think things through.
