[quote]I think paring it down to the big two would help.[/quote]

I think it is more about people focusing on the indie/manga/imprint/etc characters over the DC & Marvel mainstays that does it. Your first run on RPG with Singular Universe (which was the inspiration thematically for Maximum Comics) was really consistent, active, and it didn't remove non-DC/MV characters from the game. This is why I'll probably revise my rules and indicate that having an ACTIVE marvel/DC hero will be required to have a non-mainstay character.