Denise was very unpopular with fans at first, because she sold her baby, and because her story was heavily featured from the start, which is a bad idea for new characters.
I did like her, and I'm sorry they didn't do more with her, especially outside of Ben, as I thought they had no chemistry. I remember when she and Rose had some dance school for kids, Raindancers or something, but nothing came of it.
I think Craig Lawlor was fired, which was a mistake, as he would have been like Scott Defrietas, or even better.
I think deep down Goutman had contempt for any ATWT that had come before him.