The problem is the example you used is a REALLY weak one. TMNT has had multiple iterations since it was turned into a cartoon in the 80’s. By 1993, you had the original comic, the cartoon, the movie, and then the comic based on the cartoon: all different takes.
TMNT has more than earned the right to experiment. On top of that, Eastman and Laird didn’t sell it because they’re “sellouts”. They did it because they were burned out and wanted to move on to other things in their life.
You could’ve used The Powerpuff Girls, or SWATKats, or other properties. Heck, you could’ve just brought up Bill Finger.
Decent concept for the argument, just poor example, my dude.