I'd have to agree that the transformation to robot mode is easier, but that's usually the case with TFs, as the alt-modes usually need everything lining-up/interlocking in an exact way. I did that review after only converting it from robot mode to tank mode, so I guess the rating was a little biased.
I've changed my difficulty rating from 3.5 to 3, as I've since come across some other figures that make bludgeon feel like an auto-changer.