Val climbed up on a chunk of debris to sit, which made her about twice as tall. It was not a significant change.

"I like helping," she said. "Above and beyond the obvious advantages of strategic alliances."

The Autobots were at worst harmless to her; it was part of their self-image. The Decepticons...they needed motivation to behave themselves. She could supply it, of course, but easier to contract that out to someone they were already terrified of.