I said in previous page that "Sakurai likes the character" is enough of a reason to add character. That's why Terry is in.We got a Fatal Fury rep before a Minecraft one, it's about more than just popularity.
I don't care about Shantae at all, but if the IP has a long history and is still relatively popular, as well as relevant, then I don't see why people can't hope to see it represented. Sure a character like Phoenix Wright is a lot more likely, but Shantae isn't unrealistic. Hoping for Kratos is unrealistic.
P.S. I'm using Wright as an example because I want him as a fighter now lol. My ideal third-party pass would include Agumon, Lara Croft, Tracer, and Phoenix Wright.
I'm just saying Shantae is not likely due to being in game as Spirit already, and two other popular indies got better treatment. Shantae is unrealistic in that regard.
Or are we doing the whole "Spirits are not deconfirmation, but Assist Trophies are" thing when most likely both of em are deconfirmations.