He is a footnote.  He was a member of the band, but hardly an important part and was drummed out of the group by the others because he didn't fit in personally.  I think that image and personality wise Ringo completed the group and gave them the final ingredient, an air of insouscience, if you will.

He did get shafted but that is business...they went with the better drummer, its just a shame poor Pete didn't see it coming!

Replaced by Ringo as the bands drummer and never really a part of the fame that followed.

He got the shaft when they tossed him for Ringo, but the fact is, you don't need two drummers in a band.