I think the main problem with merch marketed to girls is that they make it pink and just quit. It's a bit more complex than that. And nah, I think some/a lot of boys are conditioned to not like "girly" things, but Marvel's apparent viewpoint that female character = GIRL COOTIES that no boy will want to associate with is such a tired mindset. In the case with the Guardians birthday set, the person who mentioned it said the boy it was for would've loved to have Gamora more prominently included. I think she was included on a napkin, or something. Oh wow.

But maybe the hold-off on making Wasp and Captain Marvel playable, is, like you said, the movie-verse. What better way to gauge interest than rolling stuff like that out? I had heard that Wasp was originally supposed to be part of the Avengers movies, but they cut her due to Antman (and then seemingly killed her, but maybe Hope whatever is going to take over part of that character). The fact that they are dragging their heels on Captain Marvel frankly angers me (and they really missed their shot with a Black Widow origin story). I am not a fan of DC's grim-darkness of late, but I hope they finally do the Wonder Woman movie. It is majorly overdue. Like decades. Endless Batman/Superman reboots are just tiresome.