As we already know, the WT - and really, the world in general - was not prepared for the LB. They knew it was an inevitability, but had always written it off as being something distant in the future. So maybe they *should* have ideas and plans (they as in the WT and AS in general, NOT Egwene) but they don't. And I tend to blame this on human nature with the whole procrastinating thing.



That's an assumption.

The world could possibly become stronger and more prepared given more time. Egwene could *fully* cleanse the WT of Blacks, Rand could have time to deal with the BT and Seanchan, which are lining up to be major thorns going into the LB, more time to figure out Callandor's deeper flaws, more time to strategize together since so many of the major players have spent major time apart.

Of course, taking more time could prove faulty too. We don't know. To come down on one side or the other completely is an assumption. I'm just saying from a basic human survival instinct basis, it would make more sense to take whatever little time is left to prepare since the seals are having no issues breaking on their own.



I will have to reread, but I don't remember her original request being for armies specifically.

However, as has been pointed out, this is more of a "the more voices the better" thought process. Not her setting up a conquering army to take on Rand.

I also tend to see it as a bit of a contrivance. A way for RJ/BS to get all the armies of the world together in one place very quickly while summing it up to be a master manipulation of Rand's.