I agree that Cadsuane treats people in an obnoxious manner and needed her putdown. But she is fundamentally correct here and her treatment of Nynaeve was totally within her character and previous attitudes. We see her in CoT thinking to herself that Nynaeve's is a fantastic Healer but has little facility with anything else and particularly self control (Nynaeve in that scene was jumping up and down watching Lan training Narishma).

Cadsuane is clearly mentoring Nynaeve to be her successor. In that she is using a system remarkably similar to what the Wise Ones used with Aviendha. Bully and intimidate to test her self control and maturity, and wait for her to put her foot down to demand - and earn - being regarded as an adult.

Besides, like it or not, Nynaeve is not Aes Sedai by the rules of the Tower. She did not pass the test and swear the oaths. No different than an educational institute giving a student a temporary teaching credential with the caveat they still have to complete all requirements to graduate within a certain time. This says nothing about how capable they are. If they started breaking the rules on graduation, eventually the title would be worth nothing. Even Aviendha still had to pass the Glass Columns test.

As for Gawyn, I think he is developed somewhat along parallel lines to Rand. His character is set up for a confrontation over Rand. Perhaps he will injure him or something. Frankly, if Rand meets Gawyn while not already holding the Power, Rand has no chance against him - he can't defeat him in regular combat or with the sword, not his his present state, and by the time he stops vomiting, trying to seize Saidin, he'd be dead.

randfandom