You're aware that, by default, women grow in strength steadily over years, and Nynaeve had about 5 months between book 4 and book 9, right?

Sadly, no. She looks as Hessalam, and basically thinks "bring it on". She thinks she and Graendal are in an even footing, and Graendal hasn't even been mindtrapped. Which means she thinks the evening out is that they're both in disfavor with the DO, and that the difference in their strength isn't so much that she thinks she has no chance against Graendal. So that disproves your point... once again. Moghedien thinks she can match Graendal in their contest, and she doesn't make a big distinction between herself and the male foresaken (who only consist of Demandred and Moridin, now).


Not without any emphasis in that sentence. But that's a matter of semantics. You continue to beleive the strongest female primary character is weaker than any number of her enemies. I think that makes no thematic sense, quite apart from being completely contrary to what Sanderson has said recently.