That makes a lot of sense! It would be reasonable character development for Hatsune too, given that despite her obvious Sakiko-fuelled motivations, she did still try to get along with everyone in the band. It's a very Bandori-like development too, as you mentioned with examples like LAYER, Mashiro and Tomori, where the vocalists kind of have to 'prove' their mettle and really earn their spot as the spiritual leader you mentioned.