I used to know this one transformers fan who claimed this episode was evidence that the Decepticons were really an oppressed minority fighting back against a corrupt and decadent Autobot regime that wanted to wipe them out rather than let them live their lives as they choose.
The argument then went on to compare the Decepticons with the Klingons, so uh, make of it what you will, but hoo-hey, look what a pud Optimus Prime used to be.
As a kid (mind you, 5 years oldish) I would always be rooting for the Decepticons, Cobra, Skeletor, the Empire etc. When I played with the toys, the Decepticons would always win and Cobra would always end up blowing up the earth/something important. In first grade, my Halloween costume was Cobra Commander.