I feel like if you go in expecting to see what solicits gave you, then you'd expect to see some importance from HIVE and then subsequently be disappointed. On the issue itself though, in my opinion, I don't feel like HIVE is wasted because a few crucial things happen in that sequence, namely Bizarro's erractic action and Jason's repressed feeling. I like how misleading the solicit has been because when was the last time the issue content absolutely floored us in its unpredictability, even after the previews? Similarly, I hope the next issue will surprise me in the same way.
On Rebirth RHATO so far, Bizzaro Reborn is a long game that I didn't think would conclude anytime soon so for me this arc is far from over to judge. Don't think Lobdell is slipping either because he's tackling very heavy subjects here, I'd say on par with the underlying theme of RH/A. The man still has many ideas. Rebirth RHATO first arc was very tightly written though I have to say, this current one excites me more with its unpredictability and direction towards dark psychology. With Smart Bizzaro and now the introduction of Creeper, Lobdell can now be very adventurous with the book, which I think has always been his strong point.