Sakura was not viewed as pretty and popular by the other girls (only Naruto thought she pretty) They graduated the Academy at 12 not 13. Sakura social class status was basically just above Naruto. I remind you again of the angry contempt the other girls directed at Sakura on the very day they graduated from the Academy- "Who does she think she is?!" Ino's nickname and Sakura's own bemoaning her "giant forehead" tells you she was not viewed as pretty by anyone but Naruto.
And sorry, but Broken Figurine is right about Hinata. Kishimoto shows even minor support characters like Karui and Omoi having an intense bond to their sensei, while Hinata shows absolutely zero bond to or concern about even Kurenai- even though Hinata was Kurenai's favorite student. Kurenai even stood up to Hinata's father on her behalf, but do we see Hinata expressing concern about Kurenai when Asuma was killed or concern when Konoha was under attack and she knew her sensei was near term pregnancy? Nope, not a moment's thought. Then you have the whole thing about how she shows no concern about Neiji's and other suffering under the grossly wrong way the non main house families were treated- treated as expendable servants to the main family. She says nothing, even her father was bothered by the system, but Hinata, nope, not a bit, never occurs to her, even though it's right in front of her.
And as for Kakashi's words to Sakura- I always thought they were grossly unfair- He witnessed Sakura being the only one who did openly show any teamwork- she immediately acts acts even though she believes she was endangering her own life, to save Naruto's. She only "abandons" Naruto when she knows he's not in immediate danger- she sees he can free himself, but thinks Sasuke is.
I will grant the part regarding the graduation. I must have missed the other girls's comment. For Hinata, I never said otherwise. All I said is that in the beggining she had the possibility of becoming a great character in the manga, yet, Kishi never went beyond that, and never explored he in full. I will have to disagree in the Neji issue, not because of Hinata herself (indeed she seems to have done nothing about it), but her father took steps to shorten the distance between himself and Neji. So I wouldn't consider his situation in the family as concerning. And during the war they seemed to be fighting side by side with a good understanding. But other than this scene (3 plus years later), it is true that nothing was shown regarding Hinata's concern for Neji. As you said he only concern is Naruto, and I agree when you say she is not closely attached to either her team or her sensei.
For Kakashi's word I do not think they were unfair. They were actually on the spot. Just remember that he said that during the training, and perhaps it's because of what he said that Sakura aimed to get better, to be a better person even. And indeed she managed. Today Sakura is one of the most caring characters in the manga. She is still focused on Sasuke, but she doesn't let that goal get in the way of how much she cares for everyone else. The combat scene you described above was already the first steps Sakura took in becoming the person she is now.
Besides, I do like Sakura's character, not only for what she represents today, but especially by the path she took to grow up as both a shinobi and as a person. I also liked Hinata's character during the chuunin trial, but unfortunately, all that she could be was nerfed and put aside. Today she is even less important than Ten Ten. Just remember the rescue Gaara arc where Ten Ten played her part. In part II hinata didn't appear in any arc, apart of the suicidal run again Pain. It's just sad to see good characters underdeveloped...