I definitely feel like Yes wanted to show off their new guitarist with The Yes Album because it's their most guitar heavy album and the keyboards are pretty low in the mix compared to the rest of their albums, which probably contributed to Kaye leaving. Kaye was fine but he didn't have the chops Wakeman would bring to the table.
But I'm a huge fan of Howe's guitar playing so I can't complain, I f*cking love The Yes Album and Starship Trooper is one of my favorite songs by the band, though I agree with Synthgirl that Wakeman made it even better live, if only I could find a good quality version with the Anderson/Bruford/Squire/Wakeman/Howe lineup.
