I just want to point something out to you all.
"That decision-making process starts with Sakurai forming his own thoughts on who should feature in the next Smash Bros., but also factors in various surveys, he said. From there, a list of candidates is refined by evaluating their contribution to the game's roster: 'What is the uniqueness of this character? What does this character bring into the Smash Bros. universe? What do they have that other characters don't? How do they complement or contrast other characters?'" - Polygon's interview with Sakurai.
Let me paraphrase. Initially it's all about what he thinks. Sakurai is an enigma, and is shown to be unpredictable, very few limits. Sakurai also factors in surveys etc., that's fine, but it is relegated to a minor position, as we have seen.
Then, here's the important part, then it's all about uniqueness, all four of those rhetorical questions are just different ways to say the same exact thing. That's what it's all about.
Here's the hazard, people, we take whatever our vision of Sakurai's thought is and conform it to our opinions. Do not do that, it's dangerous and improper. You, Mr. SaturnGamer64, and many others, offhandedly dismiss many good candidates for asinine reasons, and warp Sakurai's opinions to fit your views, to nestle them in safety, to cradle them invincibly from any criticism.
This is a curse and hurdle we must all surpass, I'll not spare you my preaching, sir!
Regardless, looks like Noah definitely hasn't changed.
