3PO replacing TC-14 has appeared in many a rewrite throughout fan history.

Maybe that's also why 3PO has that one silver leg in the OT? It's the last of his old Trade Fed coverings?

But I like him being that TF character.

But replacing him with Jar Jar? Not sure. That's alot of work replacing one annoying character with another.

But why would 3PO end up with the jedi on Naboo? Maybe they run across him during the invasion planet side, think he might have valuable information, and take him along for the ride?