[Dan Hibiki]

That's the computer using him. When players use him he is severely toned down. He is both weaker and easier to kill.

He takes almost 1.5x damage in XMvSF. Seriously, that would mean that it would just take one super and a little bit of a kick to the shin and he is dead. Akuma is also too much like Ryu.

Akuma's moves as compared to Ryu's:

Throws
Seoi Nage :: Seoi Nage
Tomoe Nage :: Tomoe Nage
Jigoku Guruma :: (No comparable move)
Izuna Drop :: Kuchuu Tomoe Nage

Special Standard Attacks
Zugai Hasatsu :: Sakotsu Wari
Senpuu Kyaku :: Senpuu Kyaku
Senpuu Kyaku (air) :: Kuuchu Senpuu Kyaku
Mae Geri :: Mae Geri

Special Attacks
Gou Hadouken :: Hadouken
Zankuu-Hadouken :: (No comparable move)
Gou Shoryuken :: Shoryuken
Tatsumaki Zankuu Kyaku :: Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku
Ashura Senkuu ::
Tenma Kuujin Kyaku ::

Hyper Moves
Messatsu Gou Hadou :: Shinkuu Hadouken
Messatsu Gou Shoryu :: (No comparable move)
Tenma Gou Zankuu :: (No comparable move)
Messatsu Gou Raisen :: Shinkuu Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku
Shun Goku Satsu :: (No comparable move)
(No comparable move) :: Shin Shoryuken

As can be noted, Akuma has almost everything that Ryu has, right down to special standard attacks. The only thing that Akuma lacks (but Ryu does too so that's null point) is the Shin Shoryuken.

As for Sakura, I personally like the character, but my own personal preference is Dan. I'm thrilled he is even in the vote; I asked TMyApp to consider him several months ago.