Do you think...

... that TF2 would be nearly as good/popular if it didn't have the memorable characters? Would it be as great if all the classes were faceless, looking like regular soldiers, merely using different weapons?
I'd have to say no. This game would never feel the same without my beloved classes/characters!

No, and i think Valve knew that, why else would there be all the meet the medic, meet the engineer, meet the sniper (headshot!)

There ain't no meet the medic yet, boi!

There isn't?

I have only heard of them, they sound funny.