It's one of two most used lobsterpot commanders with recon as far as I can see in games, Engi has build power and recon has speed/mobility right off the start and both can be easily upgraded with the first 1-2 levels to be even better.
As far as I've experienced both Strike and Guardian commanders require too much upgrades for their passive advantage/difference compared to other commanders to matter.
Strike is the tanky one with regeneration but damage beats regen especially with commanders being an unique unit.
Guardian has drones... just normal drones who's only good side is being able to open up razors turrets so they take full damage without their closed up armor.
Guardian seriously needs some buffs to drone leaning side, a lower cooldown between drone dying and being rebuilt as well as faster build speed. Even if you get maxed build power modules and manually assist the drone construction for metal cost it's still just a really poor AA bait factory.
If you wanted a drone swarm it's cheaper, faster and more efficient to just spam build Reefs, they got several drone building spots and good range on sending them out to attack. And that's just the drone capability.
For Strike I wouldn't mind giving Strike something akin to zombie-like self-resurrection in addition to regen per level, you'll lose the levels and the metal/energy income but the body at least comes back.