I basically said the same thing about it being more of a prop than a proper droid a few hours ago when my friends were asking how long before I decided to build something like Pip. (I pointed out that I've technically already built a droid named Pip (or P-1P, anyway) ... my MSE-4 mouse droid, which has a thread on this site.)
If I were considering cosplaying a similar character, I'd probably consider it as a prop for that costume, but I'm not. As projects unto themselves, I tend to favor droids that can move under their own power (at least in-setting, and preferably in reality) both for convenience, my own personal interest in the project, and for crowd interaction. I've already had an original idea for a handheld droid on my backlog for a year or more, so I'm probably good in that department right now. But you never know; Acolyte's droid may grow on me as the series progresses.
I have noticed the trend, though. I mean, we've certainly had some good-sized hero droids like B2EMO, but they have lately started to seem like the exceptions. I could only speculate as to the reasons ... could be coincidence, could be Disney's influence, could be something else entirely.
If I were considering cosplaying a similar character, I'd probably consider it as a prop for that costume, but I'm not. As projects unto themselves, I tend to favor droids that can move under their own power (at least in-setting, and preferably in reality) both for convenience, my own personal interest in the project, and for crowd interaction. I've already had an original idea for a handheld droid on my backlog for a year or more, so I'm probably good in that department right now. But you never know; Acolyte's droid may grow on me as the series progresses.
I have noticed the trend, though. I mean, we've certainly had some good-sized hero droids like B2EMO, but they have lately started to seem like the exceptions. I could only speculate as to the reasons ... could be coincidence, could be Disney's influence, could be something else entirely.