Damn it, I can't rep you.
Honestly, it really is jarring when people bring up the "Sakura could have been well written too". Like, no, she can't. Kishi even said there's not a shred of specialness in regards to her character. She is literally less suited to be a heroine than Ino, because at least she is from a Shinobi family.
The very basis of her character revolves around Sasuke, Team 7, and being a Medic. Notice how she has no agency of her own? Everything about her is related to Sasuke/Naruto, even her medical skills. I guess you could include her massive forehead too as a character trait, but how far would that even carry an MC :lol
Meanwhile, with Hinata, her potential is arguablly the most wasted out of any character in this series.
Her desire to become stronger.
Her desire to be acknowledged by her family.
Her relationship with Naruto.
Her relationship with Neji.
Her relationship with Hiashi.
Her relationship with Hanabi.
Her (potential) relationship with Sasuke.
Her role as heiress and leader of the Hyuga.
Her involvement in the Ootsutsuki family.
Every single shred of Hinata's character is better suited for a relevant MC in comparison to Sakura
Her story arc shares components of Naruto’s, Lee’s, Choji’s, Sasuke’s, and Neji’s story arcs, her background fits more in line with Naruto, Sasuke’s, Kakashi’s, and the Ootsutsuki, her powers would give far more room for a diverse moveset with Gentle Fist as a basis, her romance is actually a positive bond that has legitimate valu), or her personality since it meshes well with Sasuke/Naruto’s.