He is a relatable character, who is written well, but he cannot replace Ratchet! I would like to see his story (back and future) relating to the transformation cog. I wonder what else is on Delphi considering the warning from issue #1. I too hope he gets a new lease on life and his abilities from this side trip. If he has to save Drift to do it, it's a wound worth taking.
And as for Autocracy, thats a nice change for Hotrod, does not tie into how he was written in the furmanverse, but alot of time has passed. Loving the Lugnutz!