>>55837028The longue is a bonus to get 2 characters for the price of 1, it's a strategy to maximize sales. I don't see that it has a real reason beyond that.
I forgot about Acerola and Silver, my mistake. Acerola is F2P but Selene is much more popular than her. So? in general the FP2 characters are mistreated.
The selection of characters isn't governed solely by popularity, there are characters who necessarily have to be like Geeta even though she is very unpopular, and other villains and unpopular champions like Lysandre and Diantha who have to receive affection for their status.
They started adding more Alolan characters when people complained loudly about the disproportionate bias they had toward Lillie. It's no coincidence that after that, she disappeared in favor of other characters, but they continue to milk Blue and Steven and they're not going to stop doing it because people haven't complained about it.
Barry has more art than Wally (Gelbooru, Pixiv) and the fandom has more esteem for him. He at least is considered a better rival in the rankings. What's so special about Wally? Shotabait?