I always thought Ben Cross was excellent too, even though he wasn't quite the same Barnabas we knew. I think it was wise of him not to attempt replicating Jonathan Frid's characterization, since the copy would no doubt not be exact but inferior.
Cross's (interesting name considering he played a vampire) portrayal was so much colder than Frid's, except for the early Barnabas, but maybe like the original he would have "thawed" too. Not only colder, but Cross reminded me of a conscienceless serial killer with both his manner and voice.
At the same time, he projected a very seductive quality, which Frid did not.