In between Alpha Flight making their debut in X-Men 120&121, and launching their own series with AF #1, I noticed they made a few app. in other titles, like Machine Man, Marvel Two in One and Incredible Hulk (I don't know what others)

 How long after they first appeared in X-Men did Marvel want AF to get their own series, and were these guest appearances in other titles the result of Marvel just wanting them to get more exposure or creators needing/wanting new toys to play with in their titles?

JB, is it usual for comics to "defer" a new title until the original creator will do it himself?  Was there a special reason or concern that the title wouldn't "fly" unless you were doing it?

I remember that Marvel did not offer Roger Stern the West Coast Avengers title even though he had done the limited series and was using them in the main title.  I also remember other limited series leading to regular series, but the first creative team was not used.  I think the Punisher and the Ray are two examples.