Luke Cage has been winning points with me but I don't think he has quite the same kind of unshakeable character as Cap. However the Falcon seems like he and Cap were kindred spirits, though I must admit, my knowledge of him is lacking. Well it doesn't matter anyway cause Bucky stole the shield and he ain't gonna give it back!
My argument for Cage is that he's the most stands-up-for-what-he-believes, does-what-he-knows-is-right-no-matter-the-cost, won't-take-shit-from-nobody, can-kick-you-ass-just-by-looking-at-you-sideways guy in the whole Marvel Universe, which, to me, embodies the spirit of Captain America better than anybody. Yeah, the Falcon and Cap were good friends and partners, but that worked mostly because Falcon provided Cap with a different viewpoint, sort of like Cage and Iron Fist in
Heroes For Hire or Denny O'Neill and Neal Adams'
Green Lantern/Green Arrow. Also, let's face it, Falcon's lame - always has been, always will be. It's sad but true, whereas Luke Cage is one of Marvel's premier characters right now, with a John Singleton movie in the wings and everything.
And I also agree about Luke Cage. I thought about it and I'm coming up short for anyone else but him. Although what would stop Marvel from using a female character to shake things up a bit?
I don't see any problem with a female Captain America, but I can't think of anyone who really fits the bill. Plus, it would reek of publicity stunt. So would a black Cap, but they already did that with
Isaiah Bradley in
Truth: Red, White & Black.
Y'know, I'm a little afraid that if my prediction about Golden Age Cap is true, that he'll come back and be all "Negro superheroes? Golly! Could you go make me a sandwich, Ms Marvel?"