The power scaling in Dragon Ball Super continues to grow out of control. Goku is still working on his Ultra Instinct technique and his obsession with getting stronger is making him increasingly one-dimensional. Thanks to the Tournament of Power, Android 17's short time in the spotlight was enough to prove that he would be a more compelling main character going forward.
Ever since Raditz first touched down on Earth at the beginning of Dragon Ball Z, the franchise has been all Saiyans, all the time. At this point, Android 17's biggest selling point as a lead is that he is not a Saiyan. Without a genetic lust for combat or an increasingly confusing number of transformations, the super cyborg has more room for an actual personality.
Android 17 actually has a family he loves and a job that he enjoys. In fact, despite being part machine, he's much more human than Goku has ever been. When 17 won the Tournament of Power, he used his wish to restore the destroyed universes, showing he possesses the necessary compassion to be a real, franchise-leading hero. In the aftermath, Android 18 even goes as far as to say Goku is rubbing off on her brother.
This is being Dragon Ball, being a strong warrior is essential. Fortunately, Android 17 has proven himself more than capable by having stood his ground against Super Saiyan Blue Goku, God of Destruction Toppo and even Jiren. The android is also remarkably clever in battle, able to evade and outmaneuver opponents even when he is outmatched.
The former villain is extremely practical in combat, as well. He is not afraid to flee from an opponent until he can develop a plan to defeat them. He also holds the distinction of being perhaps the only fighter in the franchise with enough common sense to attack someone in the middle of a prolonged transformation or monologue. Android 17's battles are more strategic than Goku's, which are typically pretty simple slugfests.
While Android 17 does possess limitless energy, this unique trait doesn't make him a nigh-invulnerable warrior like Ultra Instinct does for Goku. Villains introduced to oppose 17 wouldn't have to be universal threats, and they would have to employ more clever tactics to best him in combat. The power scaling in Super is growing exponentially and Android 17 as the lead would be a great way to reign things in without backtracking too far.
Unlike Piccolo or Gohan, Android 17 is the only character who wouldn’t require a ridiculous power boost or dramatic change in character in order to become the new main character. This would also benefit Goten and Trunks, who have been all but forgotten by Super. Their only function now is to protect 17's island whenever he is away, so 17 being the lead would make them relevant again as well. It would be an entertaining dynamic to see the laid-back android trying to wrangle a couple of Saiyan children who are also his employees.
Best of all, Android 17 is a reformed villain. Initially created by Dr. Gero as a weapon for killing Goku, he has a dark history to draw from for both internal and external conflicts. His villainous past was only hinted at in Super by Piccolo's reaction to seeing him, given the vicious battle they once had. Any dark Red Ribbon Army secrets still lurking in the world of Dragon Ball would be a great conflict that 17 could surely feel a level of responsibility for.
Despite being the clear MVP of the Tournament of Power, the Moro Arc of the Dragon Ball Super manga sadly demoted 17, the sad fate of everyone not named Goku or Vegeta. He contributed little to the final battle and was ultimately a spectator. Goku is going to have to pass the torch sooner or later and Android 17 would be the perfect replacement. No screaming transformations or divine intervention, just an Android with hands that are rated E for everyone.
