>>45850641>Never appeared in the anime for Generation 1 (or 3)This is a big one. Red has Ash as a counterpart, but Leaf has literally no one at all. She's non existent in this medium which means she may as well not exist at all.
This doesn't hurt the likes of Hilda & Chicken because they made big enough impressions during their games/gens to actually matter. They are much better designed to boot, and don't have to worry about representing the first generation so naturally stand out on their own.
Leaf is literally a redesigned Lass trainer, and that's all she ever was. At least Green, who will be her replacement in main-line games I'm sure has actual personality. No, Masters doesn't really count in regards to this, as it takes some liberties any who to make a very bland character appealing. Masters brought back Kris who was replaced for Lyra after all... doesn't mean Kris will back in the main games discounting a hopeful "Let's Go."
That's the gist of it OP. You may disagree, but I think Kanto is better off replacing her for someone actually memorable. Would unironically just love a tomboy Red as Kanto's girl, but "mean Green" works just as well.
