Bad choice of words on my part, but you know what I mean. It adds an extra layer to player preference. It just happens to suck if that extra layer conflicts with your love of characters; as we already established, Toad fans got royally screwed in Double Dash (seriously, the Triple Mushroom was better).
You're right, it does add an extra layer to player preference.
I think the only real way to satisfy everyone (although I might be the only one with a problem) is for Nintendo to go all out in their next game. Since they're not going to take away the already common place aspects of the newer series, then the only logical choice is to actually have a choice. Like I always tend to say, you can NEVER have enough options in a game. Make different gameplay modes, similar to what Brawl does.
Standard ModeYour basic Mario Kart. Karts only with slight differences in weight, turning, acceleration, and speed, but no one with an advantage. Essentially Mario Kart 64.
Double Kart ModeDouble karts & characters, ideal for team mode and racing. Different looking karts (maybe) but with absolutely no character difference to them. Essentially Mario Kart Double Dash.
New Age ModeKarts & Bikes, different handling for different karts. Essentially Mario Kart Wii.
Also, like Brawl, make it where certain items can be switched on or off. Same with modes, as in YOU CHOOSE YOUR GODDAMN MIRROR MODE OR NOT WHEN RACING OTHER PEOPLE.
As far as any non-gameplay-relevant personalization goes......I want icons back. I really do. Miis are fun, but not enough. Especially if you happen to, you know, like Mario characters.
Agreed!