I… don’t see the problem? Most of the hidden characters  are relatively easy to unlock and were mainly assured to return veterans like Ness and Marth. And Sonic and Snake had to be in there somewhere because they were heavily promoted as 3rd Party characters.

There’s a difference between Mother 3 and Roy’s game though. As well as between Lucas and Roy in Smash Bros. Like for one, Mother 3 was actually released by the time Brawl came out. And while his game also didn’t reach out of Japan. Also unlike Roy, Earthbound did have a western fanbase prior to Lucas’ inclusion because Ness was already in the series that was aware of Mother 3 and even back then were begging Nintendo to bring it outside of Japan. While there was relatively no Fire Emblem audience outside of Japan until after Marth and Roy’s inclusion in Melee. It made more sense to include Lucas in Brawl then Roy in Melee cause even though Mother 3 still hasn’t officially (Other then translated ROMs) been released. There was a decent demand for more Morther series representatives and Lucas being included, while not the same as actually bringing the game outside of Japan, could at least help  the Western fanbase for the Mother series for at least a little bit. Because while they wouldn’t officially have the game Lucas Debuted in, at least they have Brawl to use him. Also Lucas is less of a clone of Ness in comparison to how Roy is of Marth.

I never said I feel the character should be hated. I said already I don’t hate even the lesser inclusions as characters. It’s just their inclusions pale in comparison to a vast majority of the fighters included. And I do respect that you like Melee more (Cause you’re not the only one I’ve talked to that likes Melee more). I love all the Smash games anyway. So 2nd best isn’t even really an insult. I ask you to do the same for when I say I prefer Brawl. It’s just personal preference.