cycosurgeon

Nothing truly earth-shattering, but there have been a large number of updates in that time.

If you purchased in 2015, then you can download the current version/update already -- just go to the Purchases section of your Client Area and click on the HERO Designer purchase -- the current update is linked at the bottom of that page.

For sure, but they are just examples, you can use the concept (and the building guidelines) and make you own ones. 
 
For example, you could take a grenade build from the equipment book and add on advantages and limitations to make an exploding trap.  
 
Or build it like this:
 
Fire Rune Trap Killing Attack - Ranged 2d6, Area Of Effect Nonselective (4m Radius Explosion; +1/4), Delayed Effect (+1/4), Trigger (Activating the Trigger requires a Zero Phase Action, Trigger requires a Turn or more to reset, Character does not control activation of personal Trigger; +1/4), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +1/2) (67 Active Points); IAF Expendable (Difficult to obtain new Focus; -3/4), No Range (-1/2), Requires A Roll (Skill roll (Traps); -1/2), Requires A Roll (Skill roll (Fire Magic); -1/2)
 
Or something similar. 

Many of those older published characters were just licensed by their creators for the one book they appeared in. Hero didn't retain the rights to them. The ones mentioned in 5E/6E Champions as being killed, retired etc. are ones they did. Some of those Steve Long didn't want to update, or preferred to use as backstory.

Professor Pomegranate was never stated out. Neither was the Ubermachine. Pomegranate was probably a competent normal with a huge INT and science skills. The Ubermachine is better off as an unstated maguffin.
 
Tiger is planning on updating Jabberock in an upcoming Forgotten Enimies book originally Spectra was going to be updated in the same book, but Tiger has decided against it. Prehaps he is going to go the same rout as you are?

We haven't heard from those two characters in Champions publications since they debuted in Enemies III back in 1984. But they were created and owned by Dennis Malonee, who parted ways with Hero Games many years ago, to start his own comic publisher, Heroic Publishing, using a number of characters appearing in early Champions books. I'm not sure Jabberrock or Spectra were ever used in his comics, but I'm pretty certain they're not available for use without Malonee's permission.

I can confirm the issue still exists.

I've got the problem fixed, but the hosting provider for the forums is having a bit of an issue with file uploads at present....once they fix that problem, I'll get the update posted.

Cool app, thanks for the time and effort you put into making it!

I live  near downtown and I have played mostly played 4th and 5th Champions. Marysville is sadly out of my range though.