it sure is convenient that zoro is unneeded half the time so Cory can get them foor lol

well, he created his character specifically for combat-only purpose, so it make sense that he is uneeded everytime they're not fighting.
On the reverse, this is why it make so much sense that Zoro is played by a powergamer, as this explain why Zoro is never doing anything when the Straw-Hats are not fighting. Very clever, DT, very clever...