my opinion is that this is an interesting turn of events, even more interesting than when rock lee turned up. i like gaara and his sand moves alot and now when he seems to be alot stronger and also a good guy that makes it great.
oh i messed up on my first reply since i ddnt read thoroughly

and yes, i think if its skill-wise gaara's sand attacks and defense would be the coolest.. although he gets possesed by the shukaku when he falls asleep .. since he cnt control the shukaku anyway, this means poor gaara cant sleep at all T_T