This connects not just G1 show, but the old Marvel Comic (where the volcano was actually named Mt Saint Hilary where the Ark crashed). With this connection, they have connected TF: RID to TF Prime, TF Rescue Bots, TF G1, TF G1 comics, Beast Wars, and Beast Machines. The problem with this, the continuity of G1, the whole world knew of the Autobots and their war with the Decepitcons. They mingled with mayors, leaders of other countries, where invited to colleges, Japan, courts held in football stadiums for them, and city invites of unveiling statues of Optimus Prime. So if a country that remembers fights between Metroplex and Trypticon, and the gestalts, why do these Autobots have to hide and not be seen.