Even with 1054 mixing things up yet again, I have no good argument against Yamato having the clearest path to joining. Carrot seems satisfied with how events turned out, the crew is happy with Yamato, and Luffy has no reason to refuse him asking. It's not over until it's over of course, but I won't fight against Yamato if that's who Oda wants us to love, or keep arguing about Carrot if she's not going to do anything.