Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-24593407-20140226215644/@comment-5693502-20141120004454

Aaroniero was an idiot. Can't really back him.

Szayel was unfortunate to battle Mayuri (who could've probably defeated a fair few Espada given the prep time).

Zommari was extremely unfortunate to battle Byakuya. Of the Espada, I think he pulled the shortest straw. His Resurreccion ability actually worked against Byakuya (who has one of the largest amounts of spiritual power among the Gotei 13). So theoretically, Zommari could've probably (easily) defeated any opponent with equal or less spiritual power than Byakuya. Not to mention, Byakuya was the perfect counter to Brujería's ability.

Grimmjow battled Ichigo. There was only going to be one winner.

Nnoitra battled Kenpachi. Again, only going to be one winner.

Ulquiorra battled Ichigo but clearly showed he was around the same level of power as Starrk and Baraggan. Unfortunately he was destined to lose to (an ass pull from) Ichigo.

Harribel managed to fight bankai Toshiro to a standstill, as well as survive his special technique, and then fought Lisa, Hiyori and Toshiro to a standstill afterwards. Definitely not weak.

Barragan could've easily defeated anyone bar possibly Aizen himself, his Resurreccion was just that overpowered. Unfortunate defeat for him.

Starrk managed to match shikai Shunsui initially, then defeated two shikai-wielding Captain-level Visored and finally succumbed to shikai Shunsui later on. Definitely not weak, probably just a little tired.

Yammy was just a meathead. I still think either Kenpachi or Byakuya could've finished him off by themselves if they wanted to.

Tl;dr I don't think the Espada died too quickly or were made to look weak if you think about what they achieved and who they fought. Though I would agree that they were unfortunate by some of their matchups. I would've liked to see Zommari or Segunda Etapa Ulquiorra battle someone else.