Don't forget, Marie and Honoka were DLCs for an update for DOA5 and Chloe was debuting in T7. An update vs a brand new game. Which would get more exposure?
lol the moment you answer my questions you'll know what my answer is because it would be too obvious to ignore. Honoka released in 2015 and became one of the most popular character that she ranked high in DOAX3, a 2016 game. Now, what about Marie?
When was Marie released?
When was Nyo released?
When was Honoka released?
When did Marie and Honoka get popular?
When did TN start to "prioritize" them?
When did DOAX3 release?
When did warriors allstar release?
When did DOA6 release?
These?
When was Marie released?
When was Nyo released?
When was Honoka released?
When did Marie and Honoka get popular?
When did TN start to "prioritize" them?
When did DOAX3 release?
When did warriors allstar release?
When did DOA6 release?
The debate was about the how the cutesy "anime" characters only got big in DOA because the DOA playerbase likes them and similar types of characters don't ever get as popular in other games. Nyo has all the elements you claim Marie and Honoka have but she isn't as popular. I really don't know...