Garion: Optimus Prime thought he was extremely sensible and even-handed, which is an excellent trait in a leader. (I expect they talked a lot on the Road Trip about leadership.)
oh hell yes. Also probably both of them having an actually relaxed conversation talking about the antics of their close friends. (Optimus was impressed that Garion became friends with Zakath, and admits he wished he could have done that with Megatron.)