Speaking for myself, yes. I do like having multiple playable characters in Ninja Gaiden, as long as it serves the plot. This is why I was hoping Hayate would make an appearance in Ninja Gaiden 3 instead of Kasumi, since Ryu did borrow his sword. Ah well, there's always Ninja Gaiden 4.
Free Step Dodge
Awesmic
Project Bokuho
I mean, people will choose who they like to play as at the end of the day. Some like variety.