Biggest support threads I knew of where:
Diddy Kong
Ridley
King DeDeDe
Lucario
Geno
Sonic!
Wind Waker Link
Krystal
Wolf
Ike
Lyn (up untill Assist Thropy reveal, easily rivalled Ike, less aggresive than Krystal vs Wolf though)
Olimar
Isaac
Dixie Kong
King K.Rool
Midna and Wolf Link
Samurai Goroh (up untill Assist Thropy reveal)
Diddy & Dixie tagteam (thread by me)
Dark Samus
Waluigi
Tingle
Pokemon Trainer
(seriously even had threads about
and
. **** you not)
Lucas
Many of the fan favorites made an appearance. Also most of the most popular choices where also added.
And I ****ted in my pants when Pokemon Trainer was actually revealed, but was cool with it cause he didn't fight himself at all. Which was why I was against the idea. Same with R.O.B
, who although had quit support, the suggestion still came up before he got confirmed. As I was against his support, I again ****ted my pants. Still, was happy with both characters getting in later. They're unique aditions.
Most who didn't make it then, now also have very active support. Mostly seen in King K.Rool and Ridley fans. There's also others as Midna, Krystal and Dark Samus who almost have no support anymore. But still some seem to remember them.
There aren't as many fad characters around this time. And most people even agree nowadays on what should be expected newcomers and not. Still, none of this is certain yet.
Can't wait to see what choices they make this time. Was actually estastic when Diddy finally made it in in Brawl, so in that case, I'm already satisfied with whatever they bring, as long as he's back.
Looking most forward to what changes they bring in the excisting cast. And if they bring back Mewtwo and Roy.
Characters I supported back then where:
Diddy, Ike, Lucas, Toon Link, Ridley, "Krystal" (didn't mind Wolf however), King K.Rool, Dixie, 'Midna and Wolf Link' (not quite but thought the idea was unique and cool, didn't expect them), Takamaru (remember being introduced to his series by someones analysis and wanted him in), and well... Some others. Hector from Fire Emblem was also a choice.
I believe many popular ideas from back then still excist. Still, there's also a lot of new faces who I see have also great chances to be in. Dunno what we'll get, but most likely it seems very popular choices often get in. Aslong as the character shows continuous support.
And even as proved in both in Melee and Brawl, even the smallest fanbases actually get listened to. As long as the character proves to be unique.
I think Toad is also far more popular than before actually. Nobody kinda expected him in Brawl. Or at least, nobody took it seriously, but now he's much more supported than ever.