It was an odd exclusion in TF2, since he featured a bit in the TF1 sequel and TF2 prequel comics. I didn't read those two comics until after I saw TF2, but I'd think fans who did read the comics would have expected him in TF2 because he was included in the comics.
And since the writers at BotCon 2007 stated 'if it didn't happen on screen, it didn't happen' (referring to Barricade not being dead because it only happened in the comic adaptation), I don't know why they didn't use him.
And I think Hasbro must have expected it as well, with a new Barricade toy being released.