fair point , but then he would be above admiral level if he is above the first mates, which i definitely think is not the case.There is just that much developement in the story ^.^
One Piece is only half-way over!!!!
Anyways, I guess for the most part good job! I mean not much I can argue with except I'm guessing as far as Strongest Pirates, Doflamingo is probably above first mates considering he was just playing with Jozu like a toy, and Whitebeard's Division commanders were almost all practically First Mates (just how I see it).
he didn't want to mess with Kuzan , either meaning he knows he would lose , even die , or that he would be pointlessly fighting , but definitely no chance of winning that battle