To answer this question, for those wondering(Still), it is a hair better then the T1-T5 apprentice mercs(Depending on which you choose, as in, if you choose the T1, it is 1 1/2 times better then the average T1 merc, that you choose, so, not much different, but they are, a bit better, in their own way.), they have slightly better abilities, but nothing to be all worked up about, they are just like going from a human to a wood elf difference, how there are subtle differences, where 1 will be better in this way or that way, due to how they are not the same species, where a wood elf is better at being a druid, while the human is more rounded, its just a preference to what you would like to have, is all.......
Well, as it turns out, per SOE, this is *not* a Veteran Reward merc, as I thought it was. It was a promotional merc *skin*; i.e., you need SoD or even UF to use it longterm, and I have neither. :(
Did you have enough plat on you to pay the merc? That is how I generally lose my mercs. If there is no payment possible, because you put your coins in the bank, or just do not keep coin on you, the merc will not appear because you no longer can pay it and you no longer meet the requirements to have a merc. Unless, of course, the Mechamatic Blueprint merc does not require payments... smile... I have not yet claimed mine.
I did not get my blueprint from a LoN claim card. I got 999 claimable blueprints on my account due to it being an active account when the new Converteum zone was released for Underfoot. It was a promotional thing to celebrate the release of that zone. I'm glad it sounds as though there's also a LoN option for those who want it.