I totally understand what you mean. But i am getting the impression that you may be trying to force the concept into shape, rather than letting the process flow naturally. I may be wrong.
The reason i say that is that you have in several instances referred to wanting to create a "recognizable trademark character". And that is GREAT but i hear it so much from folks who end up ripping their hair out of their heads from frustration.
I may be off base, i hope I am, but that just came to mind, a tiny word of caution.

As for the ideas themselves, hey if you want them, use them, just remember that the birth from concept to paper personality leads to spontaneous mutations that we rarely see coming. Also I am kinda hoping we can chat some time, maybe help brainstorm a bit, more proactive and all.