I agree completely with the parallels you've drawn ... I've read many of the like in other posts and boards from you and others. I'm not 100% convinced that those parallels mean Egwene will battle Cyndane directly. I'm on the fence as I see alternatives that could play out as well. I suspect Aviendha will pop up at Merrilor and play some part in changing "The Peace of the Dragon" which will ultimately lead tot he destruction of her people.

I think you are correct about Elayne's role as more of a political leader, but her foolishness has been demonstrated in nearly every book. She has a penchant for walking right into the heart of a fight and trying to "act brave" ... I could see her putting herself in harms way despite what happened in ToM ... Maybe that was her turning point, but it's hard to say for sure.

To be honest I would really like to see Egwene take Cyndane down, as I'm a little bored with Rand taking down Forsaken ... I'd also like to see Mat out-general Demandred and then kill him in a duel ... Would be a fitting end to Demandred IMO.

Another alternative I like is Perrin killing Cyndane in T'A'R ... Not likely but watching him take down a FS in the Dream could be interesting ... Although he is much more likely to finish Slayer.

Other questions I can't wait to see unfold are Logain v. Taim and the fate of the Black Tower and how the Seanchan will finally integrate against the Shadow ... Will Tuon Channel? Who is Egwene's Seanchan woman? How will Cadsuane die? Will we see Graendal's punishment? Will Moghedien figure out how to escape her mind trap? Will Nynaeve see Lan again? I know RJ didn't want certain things wrapped up, but there is still a lot of story to be told in this last book ... Where the hell is Alanna and what will become of her Bond to Rand?