I have to say, despite my initial anger NP2 Columbus is something I really wanted and I'm happy it happened. I'm about to Bond 10 Astolfo and I wanted to replace him with Columbus, but I wanted him at NP2 to at least feel he could reach enough damage to replace him. Circe was also a nice bonus too.
I'm glad it happened in the end, though it still doesn't change how bad the KH rolls were.
The 5 turn Buster Up is honestly the best thing here, the extra buff and NP charge is just an added bonus.