It also makes him legally distinct from the previous versions of the character.
Even though Disney owns marvel now, universal studios is allowed to continue using marvel for marketing because they are the 90s comics version of the characters, not the MCU versions. I imagine a similar thing is at play here.
I’m almost certain they gave 3PO a red arm strictly to sell more 3PO action figures. Same with the Falcon and its new type of satellite dish.
It also makes him legally distinct from the previous versions of the character.
Even though Disney owns marvel now, universal studios is allowed to continue using marvel for marketing because they are the 90s comics version of the characters, not the MCU versions. I imagine a similar thing is at play here.