Raw strength isn't all that matters by a long shot, I agree. However, as I've continuously mentioned the advantage of linking is due to a singular focus of multiple energies according to the BWB - and that includes mixed links. Mixed links merely gain more because saidin and saidar work together.



Which means that if a male uses both powers in balance the advantage will be maximal but if he uses only the one power, the benefit would be minimal or nothing. Nothing, in my opinion.



Yes, but this is obvious. Mixing the two powers creates an exponential effect, because they repel and attract one another, and thus the density of the power improves IMO. But once again, they have to actually be used together.



No it's not possible. The leader of a circle doesn't hold more than her own potential ever. In fact, Daigian is physically unable to hold saidin at all. Only Eben can hold saidin. If some is flowing into Daigain it means she is pulling some in to maintain the link, but she merely acts as a conduit for a brief time. A circle is not like an angreal as you know, Daigian is limited by her own strength, but can draw on his. If she draws on none of his power, there may still be some required to pass through him just to maintain the link... as hinted by his PoV. Therefore maybe less than 1% of his strength will pass into her to maintain the circle from his side, but it will invariably get used in her weaving even on a small scale. I think that the circle doesn't allow total exclusion of any member of the circle.