You're mixing up reason and cause. Character became Assist Trophies because they have no chance to become playable, not the other way.
Eh, anyone "can" become playable. Little Mac was upgraded and we have a basic Mario enemy that Sakurai gave a full moveset to. On top of that in his source material all Captain Falcon does is drive a car, yet they made a completely fictitious move set for him.
For virtually any current assist trophy Sakurai and the Smash team could think of something for them if they wanted. That said i feel a character being an assist means that "We acknowledge the demand/importance of this character, but personally aren't very interested at the moment." Which "could" change but I'm not expecting it. That sad, it was never a case of "no chance"
As for the place holders, i don't think it's anything to get too excited about. I think the excessive amount is more in the case of "Future proofing" As in, make more spaces than you will ever use so no mater how many you decide to make, you won;t have to change things around to allow for them. But if we are all making ridiculous wish lists....
So, the order is in two section: Characters i think have a chance and characters I love but no they are far too low on the pecking order to get in (since honestly I'm not sure I could pick 14 characters I want that also have a shot)
Possibles:
1) Shantae, obviously. She was my Ballot pick back then and still want her more than anyone and still think she is in this.
2) Dixie Kong. With everyone currently in Ultimate, I would say Dixie is the biggest profile first party character not already in.
3) Banjo&Kazooie. They would be a huge get and certainly the best offer if an Microsoft partnership is in the works. Plus they deserve it.
4) Medusa or Viridi. I would like Viridi more, but Medusa would be more important. And really I'd be happy with either.
5) Mipha. It would be weird to pick one of the Champions and not the others, but she was my favorite and would mix things up with water and a trident.
6) Tails. Not a big Sonic fan, but I did always like Tails and he dose kind of deserve it if Ryu gets Ken. Plus anything is better than Shadow.
7) Panther Caroso or Slippy Toad. I think Panther would be cool, like a faster more aerial Wolf and i see a joke move set for Slippy where everything he does backfires in his advantage (tripping into opponents blaster backfires into close range explosion and such)
Now for possible, but not likely:
8) Morrigan Anesland. Love Darkstalkers, and tho I prefer Felicia, Morrigan is the mascot and takes priority.
9) Roll. Would be cool to have her in, but probably not too likely. Would love to see her in the same Smash style as her bro.
10) Birdo. We have enough Mario characters, but if they needed to add another i think Birdo would be best. Plus Mario 2 was always one of my favorites.
11) Pokemon Rival. This would basically be Blue/Gary with all the counters to Trainers Pokemon (Bulbasaur, Charmeleon and Blastoise) We don't need more Gen 1 Reps, but for theme sake they would work. Bulbasaur would be a faster Ivy. Blastoise would be a heavy Squirtle with maybe some Bowser move for smashes. Charmeleon would need to biggest overhaul.
Technically possible, but lets be honest, they aren't happening:
12) Earthworm Jim. Dude has been gone for ages and left out on a sour note, but god I love him and he would be lots of fun in smash.
13) Master Higgins. Does anyone else even remember Adventure Island? I do and I'd love this chubby caveman to get in, but he won't
And lastly, but honestly my biggest wish...
14) Luxray. I know, literally a "who now?" pokemon. I know there are so many pokemon that take priority, but he is my favorite and I will always wish.
(honorable mentions that were left out due to being assists/ pokeballs: Ashley, Krystal, Kappn', Midna, Skullkid, Tiki and Meowth)
in it! ~
