Well, both Baraka and Reptile offer some gameplay that the others don't - Baraka with his blades and Reptile with his acid. Story-wise they aren't important at all, that I agree with.

I just think that some classic characters need to take a break, so they can have more of an impact when they are brought back.

But that's the point. Reptile and Baraka have great and innovative gameplays and represent important races, as well as visual. A new character offered not only what these characters already offer one or two stances and still bring something unheard of in another. Besides bringing something meaningful in History and Personality.

This topic should focus on the following characters.

- Reptile
- Baraka
- Nitara
- Horatu
- Drahmin (despite being the Oni Tormentor).
- Moloch.

You forgot Sheeva/Kintaro (although there's Goro, and he's an important figure in the MK storyline) although Sheeva is extremely irrelevant and really hasn't done anything, i truy believe there's potential in her to make her do something remarkable, but her gameplay is too boring and she's too clunky that i'm not sure they're willing to giving her the chance.

Out of your list, i think Nitara has the ost potential to become semi relevant, everyone else seem disposable when it comes to the storyline.

I didn't mean that they should've never introduced new characters! lol I guess what I was saying is to build in the 60+ characters they have and build on them. There are so many characters that have such mysterious bios and little involvement in the series. Unless you've read the MK comics or watched some of the old shows you are kinda in the dark.
For me, I am really hoping to see Reiko's character make some big impact. That story was always cool to me, mostly because I like Shao Kahn. I'm a sucker for liking the bad guys ;) I also would like to see Reptile, Hotaru, and Havok's character return with a significant involvement with the story. Also, I'm disappointed that Drahmin is out already :(

New characters can be good. There are other MK characters that deserve a bigger role in the series, so far they haven't been given a chance. If they introduce these new characters with little bio and undeveloped then no thanks.