I don't see how being able to pick between male and female characters would change how that role is set. You could have the exact same character development and story. The only thing that would change is minor design decisions and pronouns. Plus if you really think that Link needs to be a male...
How would an option to pick a male or female character to play ruin anything? If you think the main character needs to be a male you can play as a male, if you don't care you can play as which ever choice you want. This is like the whole blond James Bond incident all over again, except here you...