Those aren't the best assets. Those are simply the most hyped techs that he barely even used in the first place.
Susano'o is Itachi's best asset by feats and hype not genjutsu or Amaterasu. And his weapons are what make it stronger than the average v3-v4 Susano'o. So yes, they are his best asset.
As far as it being a balanced match up, no. It was just an excuse to make a thread where Kisame must win. Much like many threads for him in the "vs" section and characters like him.
Not interested if what you think, only in the outcome and arguments concerning the match. And it IS a balanced match up, because I took away two techniques Kisame can't possibly counter, that are bad match ups for Kisame's arsenal which makes Itachi win most of the time without doubt. Neither did I restrict Itachi's whole arsenal but I left him with his best technique and not his other side techniques which are harder for Kisame to counter due to what Kisame relies on.
If you're gonna come here and whine why people think Itachi loses, you'd better leave because I'm not interested in that either.