While beta prime might sound better, its implied meaning is contradictory

Beta- second letter in the Greek alphabet, commonly used to denote subservient behavior within a hierarchical structure

Prime- utmost, best, pinnacle, zenith, first or highest in order of importance

Sooo, "second first"? See why that name is problematic? Essentially labeling BB as second fiddle even in leadership, self doubt and trepidation regarding living up to the legends before you is one thing, literally being named "second first" is just cruel, and diminutive of anything and everything they would accomplish on their own

And no, it acting as a label of sequence makes no sense as there were primes before Optimus

Yeah that's pretty bad...

Goldimus Prime sounds like Goldie locks became a prime

And Bug Prime is worse... Can't seem to associate it with anything other than starship troopers

Lol  

 

Optimus was the last of the Primes. And the age of Primes is over, so sayith Optimus. that's why.

 

Optimus didn't step down so Bumblebee could lead. While Prime was looking for the Allspark, Bee naturally fell into a leadership role. Offically after Prime suicides, Team Prime is a collection of equals. Going on from there, Bee took a position as a beat cop. Nothing has suggested he was ever considered for a grand leader position.

If you're thinking IDW, the term Prime is heavily tainted. When Bee took over, Optimus retired to be Orion again. He's reclaimed the name but the understanding is that there is unlikely to be another Prime.