Just finished sleepily reading this so I'm hoping what I say makes sense;
I definitely appreciate the annoyance behind people comparing OCs to different OCs, and how frustrating it can be when you're trying to right new stories without them being judged based on old ideas. Simultaneously, for myself, I look forward to seeing these lil folks develop, knowing that they're from you--after enjoying OW so much, and knowing how much I cared for the cast by the end of the multiple games that came out of the OW "universe," I trust that these characters will be just as lovable and interesting in their own unique, wonderful ways. For me, it's not thinking that the WtDSR cast = the OW cast, it's knowing that their creator is a writer that makes believable, relatable characters.
And also knowing that I'll be grimacing, frowning or glaring at moments appropriately when my new favourites do stupid/awful things, of course!