The automorph feature has not been fixed with Grindor - you still have to pull the leg assembly back (when bringing it down) at just the right angle if you want to see the cockpit rotate around to form the robot chest/head. Overall the build quality of my Grindor is actually worse than my 2007 movie Blackout. :( His plastic somehow seems more brittle and his right arm is incredibly loose at the shoulder (pops off every 2 seconds).
Like movie Starscream I think this toy also really needed a new mould for ROTF to fix the issues it has. Problems aside I really do enjoy the look of both robot and alt modes and the bulk of the transformation is quite fun despite its simplicity in design. He's not for everyone but if you're like me and want to complete the movie cast with a great looking toy the good makes up for the bad.
He's really not that hard to stand if you've transformed him correctly. Just be patient and take the time to position his legs correctly. I think Hasbro did a tremendous job at making his bot mode balance so well despite his awkward frame! 10/10 for me. :D