Not that this has anything to do with the discussion going on in this chat (it might though which is why I will bring it up) but no matter what one does, someone will find the need to complain about it regardless. It is happening a lot more frequently nowadays and the amount of sensitivity people show is, quite frankly, worrying.

I can't say I know what Marvel's motives are in terms of all of this, but I like both of your points. What I raise is, no matter what they do, someone will voice their concern, people will latch on to it, and it will be a driving force for some to get their opinions heard.

The first example that came to my mind wasn't about whitewashing, but instead it was about how the new Thor is a female. I remember first hearing about that. As a female myself, my first reaction was "oh wow, cool!" because a popular character just got gender swapped (I know the Thor himself didn't swap genders, but hear me out), but I also remember hearing the backlash they got for doing so. Some liked it, others didn't. You can't please everyone.

So yeah, both your arguments sound logical. Someone isn't going to take kindly to it regardless, especially something as widely recognized as the comic book genre and "geek/nerd" stuff.