Yeah, remember he couldn't sleep, which was driving him insane before the time skip as other wise the Shukaku would take him over. He matured over the time skip because of his encounter with Naruto (understanding love and caring for others), and by the time he lost the Shukaku he had gained an intuitive understanding of sand control, which I presume he wasn't born with. Albeit, given his father's ability and the 3rd Kazekage's, sand manipulation seems like a standard Kazekage skill with variations (sand, iron sand, gold,...).Spoiler if you haven't read the latest chapter.....
Gaara's dad was certain Gaara used the Shukaku, which is a huge compliment in itself.You saw the shock in his face when Gaara showed up, and he even said that his hands had gotten stronger.
All this brings me too how much did Gaara really grow?
As well, while he may not have the "will of fire", Hiruzen said a shinobi's true strength comes from fighting to protect others, which Gaara is doing, especially for Naruto.
I think the Shukaku basically served as a set of training wheels. Now Gaara has those off and is riding a real bike. He's stronger mentally, which I think is making him stronger physically as well leading to better jutsu. Finally, he's in the desert, and his moniker name is, "Gaara of the Desert". Thus, in this environment he's likely more powerful where sand is bountiful (unlike against Kimimaro where he had to make it, for example) so he's got the added advantage.
Peace
That was initially done solely to keep him as a weapon in the village as much as possible, not as a sign of respect or respect of his power really.are you joking now he is a kazekage
Peace