Man, I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling the same about this! (Then again, I'd be labeled as a misogynist even if I DID side with these people XDD)
Like, I just don't get it these days. Just because a show or movie incorporates (insert much-debated subject here) does NOT make a property revolutionary... not even GOOD. It takes a set of good writing, memorable characters, stories that are highly structured and setup where the audience takes the story and connects to it, even if the story's just a big fat comedy. That has been, and should always be the way to do it. You're only just making divisive, bland content if you work more to create "revolutionary" works, or spin the classics into the "modern standards/expectations." Regardless of modern norms, or not, not every needs to be like the modern social climate. They just need to be good. We all have our tastes, yes, but not everyone's tastes should be pushed to the spotlight as some modern revolution that's gonna change the world or empower a certain group of people. If the story of a series doesn't connect to me, I won't care much about how revolutionary it is even if it "breaks ground" and achieves something worthwhile, even if I don't necessarily agree or support what its trying to do.
This current marketing tactic everyone in Hollywood, social media, and even some comic sites that promote ONE type of series for like... a LONG period of time, and try to go for the revolutionary works while the more up-and-coming works, alongside beating down those who even just give honest critiques of something is just sad. That's why a growing number of people speak with their wallets when they say "We just want good entertainment, not forced agendas." It doesn't matter what side you are about this, entertainment isn't what it used to be, and its because of the force to try be "ground-breaking" as well as the double-standard bullying that's been going on. And it makes me sad...
Everyone loves a good male character as much as they love a good female character. Just... let the ladies be feminine, even if they're tomboys. Good writing goes a long way. Heck, I love writing and drawing my girls as much as I love doing the same for all my guys.
Oh man, speaking of awesome female characters, lead or not, you basically listed a hot chunk of my favorites. But here, lemme add some more to that list:
And lets not forget, oh I dunno... ALL OF THE DISNEY PRINCESSES WHO'VE EVER BEEN A MAJOR PART OF THEIR MOVIES AND STORIES.
I have so many females that I like, love, and adore, but this list is getting too long.
But c'mon, you must be drinking some tainted Kool-Aid if you're touting that these New Coke movies is more "revolutionary" and deserving of respect when you've had a long lineage of legacy content that's done a better job and (in most cases) age better than the modern stuff. Heck, if you forget that Ms. Pac-Man is a strong female protagonist that even goes on adventures without the need of Pac-Man, then something's wrong. XD