Yes. Tom Nook. Not the Animal Crossing main character. Nook. I think Nook is more of a mascot of the Animal Crossing series than the human player by far. And he could use the things he sells (Shovel, Sligshot, Net, Fishing Rod, Umbrella) as attacks, which would be awesome. Just imagine a walking, talking Racoon whipping out a fishing rod and starting to smack a Pikachu around with it. Yes, pretty bad@$$. I honestly think that most of the hate for Nook out there comes from the fact that people haven't played Animal Crossing. It's a good game that NEEDS good representation. Of course, that's not really the reason I want Nook in. I just want to start smacking people around with a shovel. A freaking SHOVEL.
Animal Crossing is a good game and, if any, Tom Nook would be THE representing character in a Smash game. However, I really think it is a lame idea. I mean, he runs the department store! Animal Crossing doesn't need representation in SSB, because Animal Crossing isn't about fighting in any way. Every other character in SSB-SSBM has been involved in some kind of fighting/battle, from jumping on Goombas to fighting 10-story bosses to wacking moles. Tom Nook isn't amazingly popular, he doesn't really have a major role in Animal Crossing besides selling you your house and running the store(no one has a major role in that game except the players), and it seems like he was picked from mid-air as a character for SSBB. I think there are many other characters that deserve to get in before Nook, even third party characters like Sonic. I just can't see a fighting Tom Nook.
I agree with your whole hate-list, though, good choices there, and Nook is really the only character I have a problem with on your wish-list. Good work on the whole thing, it looks like you put a lot of thought into all of it.
P.S. Sorry if I stole any prievious anti-nook arguments, I haven't read the thread all the way through.
Edit: After reading through the thread...
Nook would be a unique character, but he is low on the "totem pole" as McFox put it. And he isn't a fighter. The Animal Crossing world just doesn't have the right stuff, imo.
I don't know about the DHD. he is also a bit low on the pole, I would imagine, but I suppose he could make a unique character. I think a Duck Hunt item would be cool.
There are better Pokemon than Munchlax that I think deserve a spot before him, like Hitmonchan, Hitmonlee, Meowth, ect... I am a big fan of the pokemon series, but I think Mewtwo, Pikachu, and Jiggly are just fine. If anything, I suppose a newer pokemon like Munchlax could replace Pichu... nothing could be worse, at least.
Diddy Kong and Dedede FTW. (Diddy Kong rancing rocked, can't wait for the DS version) They have both had major appearences in their series' and are great characters with definite personalities. I think the guitar would be a great super-final-smash move for Diddy.
The Twin Witches from OoT were great bosses and fun to fight. I think a remade gannondorf stands a better chance of getting in first, though.
Ridley has always been the classic boss from the Metroid series and I think he would be a great addition to SSBB. If he does get in, I hope Samus can still missle him to death for an easy win
If another Zelda character was to be added, you have convinced me to vote for Skull Kid.
Bowser Jr. is a great character, but I don't think he has much of a chance over many other characters.
Toad is the man. Nuff' said. It was embarrasing to watch Peach use him as a move. He should be fast and have great strength, but have lame jumping, just like in... well, I played the remake for GBA.
And no, there is no particular reason I listed them in that order. Oh, and I've never played SMRPG, so I would like to see Toad in before Geno, but I don't really know much about him.