I don't think things would go that smoothly for the DO because he probably can't afford to send out the type of troops that would actually have a chance of taking on Fain. Fain’s ability to terrify and compel normal shadowspawn to his will makes me think he wouldn’t have to rely on mashadar very much during his time in the blight. He’d probably just build an army and march his way right into the heart of the blight.

I think the DO would have to send one of the forsaken or one of his dreadlords to take on Fain and that would probably be anyone’s ball game. Everyone tends to underestimate him because he can't channel, but he's probably one of the most deadly characters in the story. He has a host of abilities that the average channeler wouldn't suspect. I'd put my money on Fain against anyone save the top dogs in the shadow's forces.

On a side note, does anyone recall what happened to the dark hounds that Perrin found traces of a couple of books ago and does anyone remember what they were hunting?