I don't think people realize that
isn't supposed to be played like
.
It's like saying
should be played like
.
Doc biggest strength is his OOS game. With his throw combos, SJP, RAR Bair (That can combo into itself at low percents), up smash, and down smash, anything not safe on shield is punished harder than getting a MD.
Combined with his slower (But not awful) mobility and eh recovery, Doc works best as a defensive character.
Mario is more of a rushdown character, with his good mobility, recovery, up smash, dash grab, and Fireball (It's not great, but it's decent when you run with it I guess). While Mario has good OOS as well, Doc's is significantly better.
Instead of simply comparing him to Mario, look at him as his own character and determine his viability from there.