Nyte
Fu-ma's Shadow
It's not an "irrational disdain", I thought he's a bad character and bringing him back is a bad idea. Seriously, he's bottom of the barrel and doesn't belong, especially with SCVI being a reboot done specifically to get away from SCV."Right up to" is a tad misleading a choice of words here -- "beginning with" would probably be more appropriate.
Anyway, while yes, this is taking shape as a new timeline, Z.W.E.I. still exists in this one as well. He was definitely older than 17 or 18 in SCV, so his birth isn't going to be nullified as an unforeseen consequence of events after the timeline divergence.
I will be very surprised if he isn't -- at the very least -- referenced at some point or featured like Arthur was in Libra of Soul. He's available for them to use, so it's not going to be shocking if they do.
I have my doubts that Project Soul is basing their decisions on your preferences -- particularly your borderline irrational disdain for this particular character. =P
Kenshi isn't even close to being the only non-classic (i.e. MK4 or later) character included in the new MK timeline. Not even when looking at just MK (2011).
I don't think any of us expect her to be in SCVI, but there will be a SCVII at some point and there will be characters in there that aren't in this one. They're pretty clearly making a path for Viola to be one of those characters.
I can understand the concern -- she is my favorite character too, after all. But I just don't see the need to go that route when they can easily have classic Amy and present-day Amy available to select.
Also, I know they're not basing it off my own opinion, but I can feel where PS is going. Back in SCV, I predicted that the time skip would be undone and the old guard would return. Look it that, I was right. People said I was crazy too, that I should "adapt"... I wonder what they say now. Point is, I don't think Z.W.E.I. is coming back nor do I want him to.