Maddy's story as envisioned by Claremont (marries Cyclops, has a baby, both leave the crazy world of the X-Men behind for a "happily ever after" ending) is pretty much what he intended for Jean after the Dark Phoenix Saga, before editorial demanded that she pay for her crimes as Dark Phoenix. So I don't think he's lying about it being a coincidence; you know, "Fine, if I can't use Jean I'll just create a character who looks exactly like her!" Of course, never explaining the eerie similarities that go beyond their physical resemblance left the door open for the "evil bitch clone from hell" explanation that came later. :/