Sal,
The leaf shapes, size and figs are extremely variable (too variable for many cultivars) based on cultural practice and time of year. These characteristics can only be used for general pictorial comparisons.
There are "Flavor Groups" that have been mentioned in past discussions,
The flavor groups, to my understanding are;
Sugar...Improved Celeste, Eastern Brown Turkey, O'Rourke, Etc.
Honey...Italian Honey, White Marseilles, Atreano, Etc.
Adriatic...Adriatic JH, Conadria, Green Ischia, Etc.
Bordeaux... VDB, Mission, Vista, Etc.
Dark(Black)... Sals EL, Hardy Chicago, Dark Sicilian, Etc.
But these groupings are not a standard. I personally have been using these groupings to choose cultivars (the best in each group for my location).
The "NEW" cultivars are mostly mutations of existing cultivars, which create increased (commercial) profit when given a new name. They may be larger, sweeter, earlier or healthier than their mother, but are still in the same "category". There are also older cultivars that are being rediscovered, it seems to be up to the Consumer, to keep informed. Buyer Beware.