Indeed he was. But Barksdale's men were already engaged. Not that his death detracts from that. But Hood's boys had just gone into the fight. And his subordinates not knowing his exact plan couldn't "take his place". As I mentioned with the reserve artillery, also remember that Hood agreed with Longstreet and didn't want to put his troops in against such odds on so terrible a field. His plan and action had yet to unfold as Barksdale's had begun to. The second day was the real fight. There was some real leadership and bravery exhibited that day. On both sides. And some terrible loss to that leadership and the troops associated with it.
Keith