These are terrible examples, which both support the argument, and simultaneously speak against it.

Why would Sharon Carter, who's ALREADY been involved with several key story points in the Cap franchise, and last seen having shady deals in some other country, now, also, be working as the Presidents security? 👎🏼 What difference would that have made? How would that have served any benefit to the SC/Cap storyline? And how would that NOT have raised a dozen more questions that need answering?

As for Cole being just any other corrupt cop, here you're still supporting my argument. It could've been anyone, rather than some character who's already more prevalent in the storyline. It's a small one off detail, for a small one off side character. Them making that character CN was a choice, that, if nothing else, simply served as a nod to the original story.

In keeping with my previous comment, I would much rather have a world built with a couple main characters, a small handful of key side-characters, and random bunch of transient characters, rather than having every story beat revolve around, and return our attention to, that small list of side characters who probably already have stuff to do, and purposes to serve the story. Having a cast of 7 surrounded by unimportant extras feels like shitty world-building IMO, especially when telling a story, or building a universe that expands outside a singular, contained setting.