I think the direction they went with Bucky was fine because he took the nickname White Wolf which is better than him being the next Captain America. Plus he gets to be a part of Thunderbolts*

To me Sam was the right choice as the next Captain America

He cant be great as The Winter Soldier then be great as Captain America. You have to have a steady history of being noble. The shield represents unwavering patriotism. Without falter.

I would not be outraged if Bucky got the shield but he would have to repaint it and go by a different name like U.S. Agent. did. Just my take on what Captain America means to me personally.