@lanodan
I just finished watching all of them. I think Frontier is slightly better than Delta, but my favorite is probably Macross 7.

As for the reference... Frontier doesn't exactly deal with virtual idols, so not sure. It could be either the whole idea of growing an idol from obscurity, which is a common plot point in Macross; or could have to do with the kabuki character in Frontier. If you don't know, kabuki is a form of theatre where males also play the women parts. So you can say such a kabuki actor dons a virtual skin.