Wolverine also went a very large stint where he was never shown killing humans in his early days and he wasn't even recognized as being able to join the Avengers, per Captain America, until Bendis.
Not having seen the book is another reason I'm not all for the Savage Avengers. The title could suck. No need to shuffle him off the main team for an unknown. I just hope Marvel leaves him away from there and keeps him on the main squad.
EDIT:
My primary point is....Blade isn't fully established yet. He has a long history but said history hasn't muttled to much in any direction. Because of that the character still has potential to be a major player for boarder audiences if handled the right way. Being on the Main Avenger team only helps that cause.