The VAs were soon established as better fodder with no real high tier strength behind them. Had Oda made them atleast Yonkou-Commander tier, then he could made some of them to a special force called the holy knights. (Antagonist to SWORD in the marines)
Would also made promotions from Vc to...
Thats an entire thread in itself. The most problems i have is with the holy knights.
If Oda would have handled the viceadmirals in a better way they wouldnt even be necessary.
Ofc the devilfruit has his own personality. Luffy cant keep laughing when fully tapping into gear5, so a step further his own personality is completly gone. Thats what "Awakening" is. Not the true power, but the soul within.