The bell curve represents the power levels, not raw strength in the Power. There may be 20 levels, with level 10 in the middle. That doesn't mean that level 20 is twice as strong as level 10, it means its more common. Moiraine is obviously on the right side of a bell curve - few women have her strength. That doesn't mean that there aren't many potential magnitudes of strength above her. Lanfear is probably several standard deviations to the right of the curve and Morgase several to the left. Morgase has a strength of about 1 and is level 20, Sorilea is 5 on level 19 etc. The strength of each level is not proportional, but the incidence follows the bell curve.


Nope Rand makes two statements, one about shielding and one about matching women. He says he can handle three women at one point, though he will be in trouble if Moghedien is one of them. That alone should tell you that the Forsaken are magnitudes stronger because he suddenly feels like he won't have a chance against them.


That's your interpretation. Rand says no three women can match him - knowledge doesn't play a role.