I think the Neji idea was a farcry.... We had to assume that Hanabi for some reason wasn't chosen, and Hinata was unable to be chosen as well.
Hinata has always been a plausible exclusion factor by power (at least in the past) and possibly by some relationship with Naruto (which has been disliked until probably recently).
Hanabi however.... no reason she isn't chosen.
So in some sense... impossiburu.
@Hexgirl
*Slow Clap* Nice to see others notice these things.
Hinata has emotionally supported Naruto on three separate accounts.
1. Gives him the courage to take on the Written test: "I don't want you to disappear."
2. Before the fight with Neji: "You're a proud failure."
3. After Neji's Death: "Talk no Jutsu

."
She has also saved his life literally.
1. Pain's invasion. Prevents his capture and Bijuu extraction.
2. A Mokuton spike comes hurtling towards Naruto, who is exhausted from SM, and she deflects it.
3. Psuedo-Save, but gets in the way of the Mokuton Spikes... However, Neji saves her from saving Naruto.
She's also had other useful roles...
1. Assisted in the Second Division fight.
2. First to receive Kurama's chakra... defends alliance from a tail swipe.
3. Located the scene of Sasuke vs Itachi.
4. A reason for Naruto to perfect his control over Kurama.
Don't remember what page it is on... but I had an extremely long post about how she isn't a one dimensional character... which covered a lot of useful stuff.