People are being silly. You can flip that argument: if you don't want a cast of iconic SF characters - you can play a different FG series.
It almost sounds like people are thinking this is going to be another 3rd Strike or something. I'd rather they play it safe and the gameplay be dope as fuck, than have a cast of weirdos that sheds doubt on whether or not we'll see another SF game again.
I'm not saying I want the SF2 cast back or don't want a unique cast, but you have to be realistic. The game has to sell.
Which is more important to you? The longevity of the series' solid brand of gameplay or your Marvel-style dream cast?
Maybe I'm just unique in not really caring about the characters in a FG as long as the foundational gameplay is good.