Actually Rand can do without all of those things. Min's viewing is useless to everyone, and has never helped a character in the series. It's more vague than Foretelling. Aviendha didn't bring the Aiel - Rand did that. He just happened to find an Aiel he fell in love with. Elayne definitely never brought the AS - Rand is more estranged than ever. The three individuals may have a combined function for a later stage, but I tend to think that the foretelling has more to do with the fact that the three are with him after TG than anything metaphysical.



Please show me where I mentioned that OP strength was an issue, or even a consideration. You've mentioned that Elayne's contribution to Rand was that she links the AS to him, but you find it unlikely that Rand would benefit from women who know about the other side of the OP, or can relate to his own gifts. As for looks, since when is it unlikely that a man would find looks relevant while seeking out a mate?



That's all she is now, but she wasn't always that way. Obviously after serving the Shadow for so many years she's been stripped of any virtues or humanity she might have had. Before the Bore she was merely susceptible to the Dark One - she was not nearly as cultivated in evil as she is now.



So people are the same forever? Is it inconceivable that she was once a relatively accomplished woman with a little too much ambition who was pulled by the promises of power by the Dark One?