I took 2 months off from the website, from the end of Oct to the end of Dec, so I didn't see your post. Also, when I first started typing this post, I just intended to acknowledge the disproval of my theory. But I got carried away (as usual ).

Anyway ... I agree that this idea is the simplest explanation (especially in terms of what we know), but honestly I'd prefer a more intersting one. I just couldn't think of any reason why BS would have had a preconceived notion about Cyndane being very weak, other than she'd been Stilled/Healed. That's the only case where we've seen a channeler become significantly weaker.

But, it could be that BS based his preconceived notion on information in RJ's notes, that we readers don't know about. He misinterpreted those notes, and Maria clarified. That greatly expands the possibilities.