NHarmonic.
Member
Aside from Paulie, the only person I ever had a really strong feeling that they were joining and then they turned out not to was Shirahoshi.
I did think Rebecca had a chance early on (before her story completely spiraled out of control and Kyros took more of the focus) and briefly considered Marguerite as a possibility at the start of Amazon Lily, but that's all.
Honestly, I never even considered Kinemon a possibility (and if we get another swordsman, I'll scream).
I don't understand how it'd have worked with shirahoshi, in a practical level and in terms of drawing her every single time with the crew. It's probably the last character i'd have expected to join.
I agree that Barto and maybe Bon would get old quickly. You kinda need characters quirky enough but also not a bother/not played to death. That's why crazyaf!Pudding needs to join after jimbe.