Potential backstab isn't really defeating
And the third kazekage was said to be by far the strongest kazekage
by far being the key work in what the elder said.. the gap between the third and the fourth, is like the gap between hashirama and tsunade
Now sasori has him,his abilities, can fight jsut like gaara etc... If he went up against gaara instead of deidara early shippuden, he'd of done what i'm saying
1st half=speculation
Yes, I do rememebr them commenting on the 3rd being the strongest, but we're referring their fighting styles and as YOU said, they all have the same fighting style.
Garra has shown more versatility than with his sand. As shown with Sasori he uses this Iron Sand in a similar fashion of taijutsu, as shown against Sakura. Now, how will this Orochimaru who could either avoid the attack by using his speed (4.5 in DB) or attack prevention technique.
Than what? He'll make a spike field?? This easily being blocked w/ gates. In this instance Sasori than attacks with the 3rd Kazekage, Ultimately leaving him open. Leaving yourself open in a field against a man who uses snakes, that happen to attack from underneath the ground isn't that best idea.