I agree with this. If we can go by MNOG as the canonical switch time, then the switch appeared to take a second of concentration followed by another second to actually switch. Perhaps it was just one second in total if we count non-fight cutscenes, though then we have no idea when the Toa started concentrating on switching. But let's take Onua vs Lewa: It didn't come into play here because Onua could see Lewa coming from a mile away, but if you're using a Pakari and suddenly need to block at closer range, that two-second delay before the Hau is ready can be the difference between life or death.Golden Kanohi also have the advantage of being "disguised". You can see that the mask is golden and that it might possess more than one power, but even so you have no idea what power is getting thrown at you. Lhikan's Hau had just one power, and that was Shielding, fitting the shape. If Lewa trotted in with his golden Kanohi, however, people might get taken off-guard when he Speeds towards them instead of using Levitation. Then they might assume "OK, he's got a Kakama molded into the shape of a Miru", only to be taken off-guard again when he suddenly has Pakari-enhanced strength as well. Followed by them jumping back and trying a projectile, but nooope, Lewa's got a Hau too.MNOLG isn't canon when it comes to the golden kanohi. Bionicle Chronicles: 1 is technically the canon source. They put all their kanohi onto statues of themselves and *pop* the golden kanohi appeared on the statues (not in those sound effects though, if I remember correctly; it was supposed to sound like bells and laughter).