And as I recall, part of the reason Luffy's going to the extent to chase them down on the sea train and break down the door of Eneas Lobby is to get Robin back. It's pretty much the same deal with Nami and Arlong but on a much larger scale. Luffy's just asking for trouble now.
Also I was skimming through some of the older posts here and thought I'd bring this up on Paulie again:
@Ivotas:
I already said that I´m aware of his "different" attacks. But I just don´t see a trained fighting style as more unique then the one of a cyborg. I mean Franky is probably the only cyborg in entire One Piece. It doesn´t get any more unique then that and that´s why nobody can copy his fighting style. Paulie´s on the other hand can be copied by others simply because it just requires a specific weapon and training.
If you look at it all his rope attacks more or less just grab some character to toss him around. Now that is something that Luffy could do too with his DF powers. So we are as wise as before.
Okay so his fighting style can be copied by anyone but ever stop and think that Oda might just have some moves in store for Pauley that only HE can do with his ropes. I remember someone at Toonzone suggested that he could swing around like Spiderman or even pull a tree down on top of someone. Sure anyone could those too but it takes a great deal of strength and agility for starters. Heck I even came up with the idea of Pauley keelhauling someone.
But you're right, Franky's are more diverse and while some of his moves can be considered similiar to some of the other crewmates abilities, let me ask you something: Can any of the other Strawhats emulate his "reverse-centaur mode"? (And don't hold Chopper against me. None of his transformations come one damn bit close to resembling a centaur, let alone a reverse one.)
Mind you I don't hate Franky at all. I'm one of those I want both Pauley AND Franky to join types. I would choose Franky over Pauley but his rope talents, despite being a bit repetitive and executeable by practically anyone, are still unique and with a little imagination, can be a bit more original than initially expected. Plus Pauley has that whole "I think scantily clad women are lewd" personality going that would work quite well with Sanji's love of women. To me, it's a waste of good writing potential and a cool character if Oda's going to shove him in the same position Vivi was in.
And don't get me started on any potential backstory. I just want Oda to acknowledge how many fans there are for both Franky AND Pauley and go to the length of making both sides happy. Let the master of storytelling figure out a past for Pauley that'll work out. You don't wanna know my theory on it.