User blog comment:IamJakuhoRaikoben/Sorcerer Magazine, Issue 41: May 2015/@comment-1153699-20150601171105/@comment-1153699-20150601181847

Laxus is stronger than Kyouka by a fair amount as well. Mard knows about Kyouka's power, and still treats her as a weakling. And compared to him, she really is (at least somewhat). And x791 Laxus, x791 Jura, Mard Geer, Gildarts and Future Rogue are all at the same ballpark imo.

Erza didn't beat Kyouka. FACE did. Besides even then Erza couldn't even move anymore after she hit Kyouka once.

I believe even plot can't save Erza from one on one fights against OP characters like Laxus. The reason Laxus was put down during Tartaros arc was so that he wouldn't go and fuck Tartaros's shit up. Hiro said it himself here. http://thefairystales.tumblr.com/post/109285805484/konishi-katsuyuki-laxus-va-interview.

"I like how Laxus is not just a strong character. Speaking of strength, Mashima-sensei once told me that “Laxus is too strong, and things get settled almost immediately once he appears, making it difficult to mobilise him”."

In this case Minerva's abilities don't matter. I believe you and plenty others said she has intelligence advantage? But what would her intelligence give her in a one on one fight (especially when she is faced against someone who completely overshadows her in a fight)? She has no hostages this time lol. What intelligence has Minerva shown when she fought against SO Erza during Tartaros arc? She still pummeled to the ground by Erza's magicless fists.

Mard Geer is a good opponent for Laxus. So are Gildarts, Jura, Future Rogue and Jellal. But Minerva? Naaaa. Laxus would just come out as a dick for abusing a woman.

I do like the whole "traitors" concept though. That's pretty good.