I don't think Marvel needs a flagship heroine
We need better comics
The easiest way to make Angela more popular is to have her show up in the MCU soemwhere. The people who didn't like her before aren't likely to start liking her now in Guardians Of The Galaxy so the best shot is to branch out to a new and wider audience. Although I don't know how she'd have to be written. She's always been the quiet type and she's only shown more personality through her interactions with Sera who acted as her foil. She could be added to a GotG movie as Gamora's love interest which has just about as much chance of happening as her actually been included in the MCU at all.
That's quite like saying Johnny Storm shouldn't be the Torch because Jim Hammond was first. Except that the Torch example actually holds more traction because it was Hammond's name originally. Carol existed before Monica, was linked to the original Captain Marvel in powers and initially costume. Monica Rambeau on the other hand was given the name to maintain the trademark.
Also this
I don't think it's that hard. Hercules is in Waid's team. I love Hercules and Abnett's take on the character was downright brilliant, but if he has a place in the Avengers, so could Angela. Making her the resident badass of Earth could fill a void that isn't exactly filled with Old Man Logan or anyone else. I sincerely think it could work. I'd take her and Thor in the Avengers instead of Herc and Jane Thor any day of the week. Interesting premise too with the Avengers trying to keep the siblings from killing each other, a reverse Wanda and Pietro thing if you're catching my drift.
Pull list:
Marvel Comics: X-Men, Marauders, Excalibur, New Mutants, X-Force, Fallen Angels and Immortal Hulk
"Humans of the planet Earth. While you slept, the world changed." -Professor X
True. But just because the film is getting made does not mean it will be successful. Casting will play an important role. I don't think Guardians of the Galaxy would have worked as well if they had cast a non-comedic actor in the role of Star-Lord. That helped set it apart. I don' know what they can do with Carol to make her appealing to a large audience. Sure, she has fans, but her books struggle in sales.
You're wrong.
The same could be said for Ant-Man and the pre-Bendis Guardians of the Galaxy. How a character does in comic sales is virtually meaningless in the context of a film's success. These are for all intents and purposes new characters to most of the audience.
Honestly, I have far greater confidence in Marvel Studios than Marvel Comics. Captain Marvel is being written by two amazing screenwriters and Oscar winner Brie Larson is Marvel's #1 pick for the role if she wants it. If you don't know how they could possibly make Captain Marvel interesting, then you have zero imagination.
Honestly I could see Kamala becoming the flagship heroine before Angela.
I think Marvel has done a decent job with Captain Marvel but there is definitely room for improvement. The writers of her book (and the likes of G. Willow Wilson and Dennis Hopeless) have all done a fine job establishing the character, what she's all about and defining her relationships, support characters and stature and such. However, I don't think there's been a particular great/memorable story since she took up the mantle. They need to set this right.
For me though, she has all the tools to succeed as the flagship female. Great character, incoming movie, ties to the Avengers, the Carol Corps etc. Oh, and the best costume in comics. Yeah, I went there.
Yup. Can't think of too many great villains/enemies since the Captain Marvel era began. The new writer could do worse than have her go up against Moonstone, Mystique and some cosmic badass in the opening arcs.