You do realise that their sense of success is different right?
Objective defines success, not sheer outcome.
Lee did not want to solo NV. He wanted to be great ninja, and he became one as even Hashirama defined a good ninja as someone "who endures to achieve his goals".
Gai's father told him that "the real victory is not beating someone, it is protecting something dear". And he is protecting something dear to him instead of sitting on his ass to not cost his life.
Lee could not defeat Neji and he died. His main goal was getting acknowledged by Neji, he is not a violent or blood lusted person.
Lee could not beat Gaara. But he protected his ninja way, what is precious to him.
Could not beat Kimimaro. ****in hell give the guy a break he got out of hospital and fighting Orochimaru's prized vessel. Also he protected his friend, Naruto. So again, he protected something precious.
Bear in mind that Neji, Gaara, Kimimaro were strongest people of that generation at that time. Giving them a fight or getting acknowledged as opponents is better than beating someone weak like Tenten or Hinata.
Same with Gai, the guy have beaten an Akatsuki ffs. Fought jinchuuriku, made counter for sharingan, mastered weapons, taijutsu, kinjutsu. Right now, he can stand up against Juubi's jin, something many people can't do anything even at the cost at their own lives.
You simply define a character by win or loss as what the board says. Too bad Kishi made characters and objectives deeper than your 3rd grade understanding. Nice Orochimaru bashing as always btw.
You alway make wall of texts on how others complain, compare etc. while all you do is bickering on what people think.
Get the hell over with it.