What do people really even want from him is my question
He has limited resources and if he becomes an early ally for Luffy then he just solves every single problem he has (If he's as strong as some people think he is)
There's also the issue of limited information. The Strawhats are put in certain scenarios where it makes sense for them to find out about certain things (especially with Robin in the crew) but the revs really... aren't
Well, the old theory/assumption was he just like top 1 of the good guys, beside EoS luffy (see wyper in Skypia, if you want to know what some people "want" in a grippable manner).
It was assumed he is holding back from participating in the story (not Luffys story, THE story) cause he is too strong
However, given the treatment of dodger, the structure of the world, imu, seraphim, ak, the post-apocalyptic nature, ancient weapons and so on, you get the idea. This idea seems to get more cap the more we read, especially now how oda setting up Labo out of all people to even steal that little thunder he has as the revo main focus guy. So what people expect from him currently? I guess big haki punch before jobbing to imus not final form or something along the lines?
That would be about power level, as for importance, you kinda localized it yourself that he is also kinda joke in that department, he was told by Nico Robin that ancient weapons confirmed exist (this means he is literally less knowledgeable than crocodile), he has no idea about imu, they didnt even have the THEORY that there was a leader that was directing the gorosei. He is confused about what going on with kuma, he was doubting Sabo because the fucking newspaper told some BS as if he were a rookie
So characterwise he is, like world strongest painter, i would argue already giga ass whih is quite impressive given he has not even a spotlight yet. The one thing you can say for akainu he has a strong, consistent characterization, actually, even during his desk days, and dragon has not even that.
Like you cant look me in the eye that oda gives a fuck about dragon like he gives a fuck about some other characters or kishimoto about minato and so on