But this is where I see a difference. I am willing to accept for the sake of argument that Lanfear, Sammael, Semirhage, Graendal and Demandred have similar channeling capabilities - although Demandred remains the ONLY one ever to be mentioned as approaching Lews Therin SKILL as well as his strength. Nevertheless, even if Demandred is not a greater channeler than the other top 6, that level of channeling should be sufficient for him to achieve a lot.

Sammael did not lose to Rand due to inferior channeling ability, neither did Lanfear or Semirhage. They lost because they were outmaneuvered - whether due to bad luck or lack of attention to detail or whatever.

I believe that Demandred is a better strategist, better politician and better "operator" than all of them. He was the Shadow's most cunning general. My hopes lie not in him outmatching Rand in a one on one Power duel - which no one can succeed at. No, my hopes are based on his great One Power ability being coupled with his unmatched strategic brilliance to make a serious dent in the Light's chances.

I HATE the idea that general, random chaos is the Light's greatest threat. This idea that an undirected, non-specific background condition is the Shadow's greatest weapon. I'd MUCH prefer a brilliant general directing the Shadow's campaign, than a bunch of stooges just going around creating general chaos to spoil food, cause people to sink into the ground and the Pattern to disintegrate. It is pretty lame, if you ask me.

Give me some "mano-a-mano" tactical contests. Despite everything up to now, I have too much time invested in this series to lose all hope. I remain hopeful that Demandred will dish up something to savour.