Final Fantasy VII is somewhat unique among it's fellow games in that it purposefully includes two secret characters: Yuffie and Vincent.

Unlike their permanent counterparts, some have said that both of these characters, particularly Vincent (Being grouped with a loud mouthed girl doesn't help in making a name for yourself) have not been very well received, which is understanding given their appearance in the plot have been completely optional.

So my question is, should these characters have been given official character status, and if they did, would this have improved their standing among the pantheon of characters in Final Fantasy VII?

I mean, poor Vincent is in the same popularity standings of "Amarant" and "Kimahri". Would promotion give Vincent the relevance he craves?