@Kujo:
I've brought my opinion, and my opinion is as valid as anyone else's opinion.
I've tried to keep an open mind in regard to the opinions of others, too.
You've brought nothing to this discussion but needless nitpicking. If you dislike my opinion, I welcome you to question it without the need to resort to outright obnoxious scoffing. It's such a petty thing, and just to make you happy, I'll address your nitpicking now.
Marketability? See the above. It's adorably naive of you to believe that Oda doesn't discuss these things with a bunch of corporate suit types given the monumental success of One Piece. Oda is no longer the starving artist doing it "for the fans" as you seem to be so intent on believing. The guy does some good work, but he also has a family to feed.
I didn't mention those particular characters for precisely that reason. I saw Zoro, Usopp, Chopper and Brook as obvious candidates.
However, when Water 7 was literally brand new and running in Weekly Jump at the time, the majority of people on this very forum believed Paulie was the most likely candidate. Nobody entertained the idea of Franky, initially, due to the fact he was presented as a villainous figure. I was desperate for Franky to join the Straw Hats, and I fucking love the guy to this day.
The scenario I tossed out off the top of my head regarding Jinbei being killed was merely a theory. You know, like the countless other theories people have presented thus far? Would I invest or gamble on it? No. Of course not. It's a theory, and nothing more. It'd be like saying: "Imagine if a member of the Straw Hats was killed" – That's all it is. It's a "what if" discussion regarding a fictional tale.
What if aliens beamed Usopp aboard their "flying pirate ship"? What if Nami and Luffy have a kid together like Roger and Rouge?
It's speculation. Nothing more.
I've brought nothing but justifiable evidence to this discussion. I've kept an open mind, I've admitted when I've forgotten something due to the passage of time and the haziness of trivia. I've done nothing but speculate the same as everybody else has done based on what I've seen constructed via my own personal take on things.
Why you seem so intent on shooting me down is mind-boggling to me. I joined up a few days ago, and you've done nothing but criticize.
I'm done discussing this with you, as this is getting embarrassingly off-topic.
Sorry if I came up as too harsh, but I do disagree with most of your points.
You know, I wonder why do you think Jinbe isn't marketable. His design is weird, unique and iconic. He's also a former Warlord, which are also popular and iconic as a group.
From a storytelling perspective, Jinbe is just obviously joining. Never mind the fact that Fishman Island will be revisited again in the future thanks to all the non-resolved plot points.