I lean towards Etzel's theory myself - Edit 1
Before modification by Sidious at 07/06/2010 04:36:50 PM
The basic idea is that a specific soul needs at least a specific capable body to access all of its OP potential. It's e.g. possible that a body like Aran'gar's would be the minimum for Balthamel to access all of his potential. Or Aran'gar's body might even be better than what Balthamel would at least need.
Contrary to that, Lanfear needs in order to access all of her top strength (apparently the strongest a woman can be) a body, which is somewhat bigger than Cyndane's. Of course, that such a power drop happens anyway because of a transmigration must be a very seldom exception, otherwise all Forsaken would know about it.
However, this mystery is certainly something that will be revealed soon!
Contrary to that, Lanfear needs in order to access all of her top strength (apparently the strongest a woman can be) a body, which is somewhat bigger than Cyndane's. Of course, that such a power drop happens anyway because of a transmigration must be a very seldom exception, otherwise all Forsaken would know about it.
However, this mystery is certainly something that will be revealed soon!
personally I think Lanfear was under some kind of shenanigans that no longer holds true with Cyndane's body. IMO Lanfear knowing she was actually stronger than any woman could be in her old form fits better than anything else, now that she's in a new body she's at what should have always been her natural level.
Rj has placed some emphasis on the body as the vessel for a channeler. SH also mentioned this to Aran'gar when he complained about being a woman.
It is possible that a channeling body can host most channeling souls, but as you get to the highest strengths you need to start being careful. Aran'gar has a strength close to the top, and so does Osan'gar - so perhaps a good strong body is enough. However, perhaps a perfect body is needed for the highest strength possible, or a slight reduction in strength occurs and you end up with someone like Cyndane who is marginally weaker.
Look at the trends. None of the thirteen Forsaken are short or in feeble bodies, and that applies to all the high strength channelers on the Light's side too. Then look at the top strength level : Rand is very tall for a man, and very strong, and so was Lews Therin. Ishamael was also tall. One thing that's impressed upon us about Moridin is that he is very tall, though his chin is a little strong. Lanfear was tall for a woman.
It's possible that the highest levels of strength need a body that is 6" in height. Cyndane is only about 5" in height, so that might incur a 5% strength penalty. It's old news that the body fatigues as the Power flows through it, so it wouldn't be a leap at all to assume that smaller bodies just cannot handle that level of saidar or saidin. A body like Moiraine's might be incompatible with a soul like Lanfear's, but it can hold Moiraine's strength.
I would be surprised if this is the case, only because it's a little convoluted. However, I do think that there's a strong case to be base for this theory because it is probably the most likely. Cyndane is the only short and petit Forsaken around, and suddenly she's weaker. It's a logical train of thought.