Yeah, I think it would be fairly simple to give Richter an inventory system. I mean, they'd just need to sprite two more animations for him so he could use swords and great swords. And Richter would have the added benefits of AIR DASH and LEAP SLIDE. Far more interesting than Jonathan's clunky EVADE ROLL and low range and weak KNEE STRIKE.
Of course, they'd probably make him play more like PoR Richter who was just terrible.
Also, would've been hilarious to see Ayami Kojima redraw Richter in the old style.