My take on Nikki being at HHH is she doesn't work because a huge element of her story is the aspect of being forced/ Real Nikki waking up in terror. If she was more supernatural/never had the subplot I'd not care because it wasnt the focus of the film. But it is.
Nikki is released the second Bear dies she's a victim at her core and a large element of her story is her terror at waking up seeing her reflection. She just doesn't work as a roaming character vs icons who knowingly do as they do.
The real trouble with obsession is that it being this popular means every horror genre tourist has an opinion on it. โSheโs a victim!โ So was Jason voorhees and Carrie white and Samara from the ring. Theyโre still horror icons. It seems more misogynistic to deny her icon status.
I love the movie but Nikki isn't a good roam character. Outside the context of the movie just not fitting the concept. Nikki isn't gonna stand out well at her core she's an average person being forced against her will. A big part is real Nikki waking up how would that play out?