Maybe there's hope for returning stages though
In terms of returning stage priority:
1. Pac-Maze: Based on the most iconic level in videogame history. Also, without it, the only way of hearing Pac-Man music while fighting is through ****ing Pac-Land. Even if they had to revamp this stage because of 3DS reasons, I'd still consider it to have returned.
2. Rainbow Road: Also based on a highly iconic level. A lot of casual Mario Kart players wouldn't be able to name most levels. But Rainbow Road? It's the one everyone knows, and everyone loves to hate. Plus this level would look great in HD.
3. Jungle Hijinks: I guess there are practical reasons why it didn't return (stage morphing) but it's a shame, as it represented the newer DKC games and was one of the few DK levels based on a recognisable level.
4. Woolly World - This stage was nice on the eyes and I'm not sure why it didn't return.
5. Orbital Gate Assault - Didn't they work on this for a year? Even if it is gimmicky, seems a shame that it's gone.
6. Poke Floats - Much rather we got a new Pokemon stage (not sure why we didn't) but people really seem to love this one (best thing about it is the music tbh), so ...
The rest I'm all indifferent about or are probably redundant. And Rumble Falls can **** right off.