If one presumes that she "had" to attack then I agree that clearing ranks is more persuasive.

But why did she "have" to attack? My guess is because of the BA exposé! It is a circular argument.

Had she sent some travelling spies into the tower (even accepted - hardly the first time they've been used) she may have learned of Elaida's fate and the Tower's intent. Then she could have waited: both to attack and bloodlet.

Otherwise, I absolutely disagree that the BA are more dangerous in the tower (complacent misapprehension of safety) than out and more fully informed.

The BA's heart structure is designed for security - to minimise risk of a rapid, cascading collapse. It was further disrupted by the split towers, and the Seanchan raid. It is ineffective for rapid-response, and initiative is near impossible because one may be harming another BA.

Had she waited till she had everyone together for a big ceremony (mass forkroot?) I think she'd have done better. Too many escaped.

Even though BA has been hit hard, one would think that will soon be a cohort of deadly dreadlords. Trained, traveling, vicious, vengeful dreadlords. And the land will name them Aes Sedai. Because they still are.

The DO will be cackling I bet. Chances are, if the enemy is happy with something, we should not be.

(Of course, SH will still punish Mesaana. But that's just for kicks.)