Matt and its his unique POV that makes it that way. His internal monologues makes each of his chapters great. I have never found myself dreading looking at the next chapter and seeing Matts name. ALot of the same can be said for Rand, but Matt seems to have more life and Rand really cant afford to be that way with what lies in front of him. Just my opinion.

I dont really much understand this raid idea honestly. We know Elaida knows how to travel and that many of them can come at her through that path? As much we all despise her and know she is made for the leadership role, I think is folly to believe her complete idiot. In my mind she probably has wards, maybe set up her private quarters, and even other One Power defenses could be set up. I mean its not a far cry in my mind to want to take some sort of precautions incase my enemy uses such tactics.

Secondly, the final battle is going to be rough, the world even reality is falling apart the dead are walking. The greatest battle that has been seen in thousands of years is on the horizon. Can they really afford a battle between 2/3 of all Aes Sedia? Those loses alone would cripple thier power, and the Dark One currently has the advantage without tipping the scales more in his favor. Now lets add the fact they are getting ready to be hit hard by the Seanchan, which post this battle would further decimate their numbers, if not allow them to win because they weakened themselves from this internal conflict.

Egwene is extremely smart. She is achieving those same goals with much less bloodshed, but doing so by political scheming, and earning the respect for Elaida's supporters right under her nose as a captive. She is saving that sort of thing as a last resort, and they things are looking it wont be needed.

I would say in the last book she probably had the most character growth out of everyone.