Because Kuma still objectively fits as one:
- Has a tragic past (as we can see) with a dream, and it is evidently tied to Luffy.
- Fits the DF Number theory, and is the only character acknowledged in the SBS to fit it. And no, its not "Nika", because thats the model of a fruit called Hito Hito no Mi, which Luffy still uses "Gomu" moves anyway.
- Guarded the crews ship for 2 years, no other character sans Jinbe has saved the crew on this magnitude.
- "Ship Guard" is a real role in the series, which his powers accentuate.
Kuma is legitimately one of the most unique and important characters in this story, far more than characters like Yamato or Carrot who arent given nearly as much depth of character. Even Bonney is too simple, all she wants to do is save Kuma. There is no deeper meaning behind her motivations unlike Kuma who:
- Is a Buccaneer, who worships a liberation god
- Becomes a slave and survives to help people
- Becomes a RA commander to further help people
- Then becomes a King, a Pirate, and a Shichibukai in whatever order due to further tragedy (we'll have to wait for 1098/1099)
Then, finally, you take all of this, and it STILL culminates into some hidden motivation for him sacrificing his mind.
