The Forsaken - 'Hmm, there's this massive channeling going on, should I consider grabbing some Black Ajah/Asha'man to either link with or use as cannon fodder/distractions?' Nah! That'd be logical. Or, hmmm, even a few hundred human darkfriends. Not like Sammael didn't use them as a distraction in TFOH. Nah again. Stop thinking, you're making your brain hurt.

Rand - Hmmm. Channelers are needed to fight of the Forsaken, but what if they do what Sammael did? Should I have Aiel - who can hide under a blade of grass - ringing our position in chase they bring soldiers? Nah! Stop talking sense brain. Hmmm, then should I get Amys and Sorilea to pick the 3 or 4 hundred strongest Wise Ones in the Power in case the Forsaken bring help? Argghh, I said go away brain!



Really Rand is the worst of the two sides. He had time to set things up - could have had a bunch of Aiel - Spears plus Wise Ones, all set out to miles from where he and Nynaeve were ready to slam anyone coming through a gateway with the Power and spears before they could blink. The Forsaken are somewhat, although not completely, forgiven as they had to react quickly, not knowing how long it would take Rand to 'do the deed', but still were woeful knowing he wanted to do it and had no contigencies in place.