That was baffling. Balthamel was mentally the same person after his resurrection, still a man, in spite of the body he found himself in, still channeled saidin... but over time started to consider himself (herself?) female? Why? :\ Outdated notions of biological/gender determinism on RJ's part?

I seem to remember RJ was once asked if the Dragon had ever been a woman. Can anyone remember whether the answer was yes or no? Though it sounds like they would be channeling saidin either way. (it sounds like they would be channeling saidin even if they were born now, assuming it's still there to be channeled)

So everyone in the Wheel of Time is reincarnated. Since souls seem to be inherently male or female, does that mean everyone is always reincarnated as the same gender? Or is that only channelers? If so, why? And the Wheel never screws up?