There is zero evidence to confirm this. Yes, this is a sensible theory, one that I gave quite a bit of support when these matters were discussed in wotmania. But the other alternative was always there, and I'm not so blinded by my theories to think that the author and the research specialist who worked on this book have to be wrong, because I cannot be wrong.

First... no, the angreal does not make him that powerful.

As for exhaustion... there is no comparison to Forkroot. Exhaustion doesn't just limit the amount of Power you can draw (in a very arbitrary manner. Nynaeve says in tGS that she cannot channel one more thread after Healing Kerb, then promptly does much more.), it also makes it tougher for you to weave. If Forkroot were similar to exhaustion, Egwene would never have been able to make fourteen weaves at once and have them dance around like she did in KoD.

Also, notice that when Rand is exhausted, he says using an angreal is okay, but if he used the CK, he'd be fried. Again showing a difference from Forkroot.


There is indication for that, yes. But it was never set in stone.

The one thing going for Brandon's view is the difference in naming. Why call them by different names if they perform the same function, but only to a greater magnitude?

Brandon also has this to say (from the same signing):
But I’m reasonably sure on that one, the reasons being things that are talked about in the notes mixed with the way an’greal and sa’angreal worked previously in the books mixed with two specific things that he talked about in the notes when people using an’greal and sa’angreal after they become very weak or after they are weak.

Seems clear that there were specific notes on this that Brandon has read. Why even discuss this separately if weaker channelers get less out of the sa'angreal? That seems intuitive enough, if sa'angreal merely multiply your power.

There is still one problem, though. Siuan says a strong Aes Sedai can use Vora's sa'angreal to crumple the walls of Tar Valon. If it is not a multiplier, who in the world was Siuan, who is weak, able to use it?

Could it be that weaker channelers can use the super powerful sa'angreal, but if they try to draw in the theoretical maximum it will allow, they will get burned out? Maybe the buffer for that amount being safe needs to be reinforced by a very strong ability to channel in the first place.