The idea isn't bad, there is a lack of custom species! Though I understand why people do not choose some of them, because like Deathclaws for instance; Is a copyright protected species. While you can create a deathclaw there is sadly no way to incorporate them in a lot of media without some fear that it may be seen as breaking copyright. But it all depends, so that is possibly why people don't choose big name species often.

Though I love the Deathclaw artwork I've seen <3
I also agree with the other things you've stated.

EDI:
As far as freelines Go, when I used them when I was a child, {12-14} It was always the clean ones I'd go after; because if there was too much unnecessary detail. you couldn't add your own flare to it. It really does have to be a basic shell of the species, though it is great to really show your own style in it. because people will use it more as well.


A lot of these questions I personally cannot answer, but one that I can is favorite custom species.
My favorite by a long shot is Avali, which started out as a mod for the game Starbound. I even have a character that stuck with me. even if they are a bit goofy in design and name. Lol

There is also the Peglaci that was created through starbound. Honestly, there is so many good custom races Made for that game on the steam workshop. I cannot help but draw a bunch of them.

Anyhow I am ranting.
Sorry for not being able to answer all your questions~
Hope this response isn't rude.

Hmmm yes! I didn't think about copyrights >_>" But looking at all this fanart here and there, merch with copyrighted characters and stuff, looks like this is not big problem. I've heard only about Kurodood's patreon being freezed because of pokemon fanart, that's all.
Thanks for recommendations about freelines!
Yeah, avali is a thing! I definitely should start from them, need to get contact with artist first.
Thanks for your comment :3

Yeah it seems Copyright holders like to shoot blindly at their targets!
Glad my comment was of some use ^-^

Hope you can get a hold of them! Avali are an amazing species!
Thank you for the reply, hope other can answer your questions that I couldn't!

I'm all for people making unique or rare species, and sometimes its harder to do the more copyright known races/ creatures as Kaede said they are copyrighted and sometimes people don't want to worry about that stuff later(as well as some artists don't draw copyrighted creatures) Kobolds have in fact been exploding more in popularity (I'm not biased I swear, just ignore my 5 kobolds)

I know that certain races tend not to have very much work of them done since many people also prefer cute creatures or creatures within others comfort zone over new and unique things (I'm mildly guilty of that but Iv branched out a little) Cool creatures or creatures that are well known can also be made unique by adding a lesser-known template to them.

Example: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/33174346/
This man is just a lizardfolk in armor, but I had him get some eldritch corruption which added eyes and replaced some aspects of his features, it's sometimes hard to make unique creatures but you can also attempt to take old creatures and spice them up a little.

This artist: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/afallenwolf
I found they draw some old and new creatures, and his take on kobolds is the more older D&D versions with the little dog noses and their creatures they've made have been pretty unique as well.

there is a lot to choose from creature wise and sometimes all some need are more unique looks.

Yeah, Sorc made kobolds explode! >:D

But every creature can be cute and adorable! I think >w>

Thanks for artist recommendation! I'll take a look.

It'd be awesome to see more little known species getting out there. Certainly love seeing deathclaws and nightstalkers, kobolds are lovely, and seem to have become more prevalent thankfully. And I myself recently had an avali designed by an artist, certainly need more of them around too. Would also love to see some more monster hunter characters around too. I say any way of bringing lesser known or less popular species about is great!

Avali! I remember drawing some, but should draw more. And I suppose creator of them could give me a permission to do a freeline of them. I should ask!

I have a lot of friends characters I'd love too see more of that dont really get drawn~ Ita always refreshing to see when a species that's lesser drawn pops out.

The only thing with me recommended is it's like Jelly, They are custom and closed >_<