In a battle Gai murks Kakashi. But being "equal to" or "superior to" is more like tier wise imo. In the war arc, both MS Kakashi and 7th gate Gai showed the same level overall, but each one in different circumstances. When Taijutsu was the only answer, Gai shined while Kakashi didn't, but when it came to brains... or using Kamui to almost solo the Gedo Mazo..You don't have a valid point to begin with. You're claiming that Kisame initially ever so slightly reacted to Gai's kick when literally the next page over verifies that Kisame couldn't physically react, despite Gai's leg having to travel a farther distance to land contact then the page prior that you're referencing, where the leg has just begun to be swung. To put it better into perspective, you're claiming that Kisame was capable of slightly reacting to Gai's kick when it only travelled like a foot of distance, but then failed to move an inch the next page over where Gai's kick had to of travelled the remainder of the distance (a whole meter or so) to land contact. Doesn't make sense in the slightest. You're also claiming that Kisame at 30% of his capabilities could react to one the fastest strikers in the manga, who literally ignites fire out of air caused by friction of punching/kicking so fast. The logic isn't even there either. Even if you decide on further debating this, Gai's leg didn't ignite in that first scan. Which could mean that it wasn't traveling at top speed yet.
Kisames body was already put in that position by the time Gai shifted his body over and initiated his kick. Evident by distinguishing what's in movement in the actual scans. Okay, with the VIZ translation. Also, don't know what correlation this has with the topic of the thread. That Kakashi can contend with 6G Gai in CQC? Sure hope not.
Kakashi is portrayed to be slightly superior based on their friendly rivalry matches. Translating this into a serious fight with actual killing intent and no restrictions is what's laughable. A good example being Rock Lee and Neji's rivalry. Neji and Rock Lee's matches would always end up in Neji winning against base Lee. Manga stated that Rock Lee would of defeated Neji in the preliminary Chuunin exams upon showcasing his gates and Ura Renge.
Tier wise i think they're in the same level. That's how i see them as equals. In a battle, Gai shits since his speed > Kamui, but put them against different opponents like Itachi, Sasuke, Nagato, and they both oppose a high treath to the enemy, with only small gaps between them.