Originally posted by DarthBeanzz
There are always exceptions to granting ranks, but in this case, there doesn't seem to be any reason to not have granted Warren and Leeha that rank if they really were that strong. They weren't schismatics who defied the Council like Revan and Co. They were two ordinary Jedi who went on missions and evidently completed them to the satisfaction of the Council. There is no discernable reason for the Council to withhold that rank if they truly deserve it.
My friend, Hero of Tython also held the rank of Jedi Knight prior to/during the time of his confrontation with Vitiate in spite of his earlier accomplishments.
I get the impression that the Jedi Order does not rush into promoting Jedi to the rank of Jedi Master in strenuous times; the Jedi Order of TOR era was preoccupied with war and issues of the Republic, and its ceremonial events would take a back seat under the shadow of more pressing matters.
As for Warren Sedoru and Leeha Narezz, I cannot say much about why they haven't been promoted to the rank of Jedi Master prior to confrontation with Vitiate. Perhaps they were not willing to train padawans and/or take additional responsibilities affiliated with the rank? Perhaps they have controversial history? In contrast, Hero of Tython was tutoring Kira Carsen and Tol Braga was tutoring Sedoru (among other undisclosed padawans).
Warren Sedoru was already one of the most acclaimed Jedi Knights of the order when the Sith Empire attacked the Republic at Korriban. He was one of the first Jedi to lead a counterattack against Imperial forces and scored several early victories against them. (Taken from Star Wars: The Old Republic)
Narezz, in particular, had the reputation of never failing in her missions. Therefore, it is safe to assume that Sedoru and Narezz weren't lacking in quality or combat prowess.
Originally posted by DarthBeanzz
Warren and Narezz were expected to defend themselves to some extent. There's no doubt they were capable enough in combat to get to the throne room. But once the team was assembled, they initially tried to talk to Vitiate rather than fight him. They straight up invited him to Tython. They asked him to join them of his own free will.
If I remember the chain of events correctly; When Sedoru, Narezz and Braga reached Emperor's throne, Hero of Tython reacted with surprise and excitement. Sedoru and Braga then communicated with Hero of Tython (one of them stated that the Force is a powerful ally or something similar). Then Vitiate joined the conversation and Braga attempted to reason with him, to no avail. Sedoru and Narezz did not try to reason with Vitiate at any point though, they were ready to attack him instead.
Originally posted by DarthBeanzz
If it came down to a fight though, Warren and Leeha were clearly much weaker than Braga and HoT. Any direct, combative help they could provide would be minimal. Unless they so severely underestimated Vitiate's power that they thought that minimal help was all the extra help they needed, then the inference to be drawn is that they were there because their strengths were in areas other than direct combat. Warren's ability to sense thoughts and intentions would come in handy as an early warning system for example. Braga and HoT engage Vitiate physically while they hang back and offer Force-based support. Instead, though, Vitiate forced the issue by launching a massive lightning attack that they were forced to directly contend with, and they crumbled quickly.
Braga and Hero of Tython were evidently stronger then Sedoru and Narezz but I wouldn't go as far as to assert that Sedoru and Narezz were weak. Yes, Sedoru and Narezz were no match for Vitiate but this doesn't imply that they were actually weak or average (both are officially above-average).
It is important to understand that majority in the mythos cannot contend with Vitiate; most would drop like flies in a confrontation with him. It is not a stretch to assume that Vitiate can one-shot even the likes of Count Dooku.
Braga and Hero of Tython managed to resist Vitiate's assault to some extent because both were unusually strong. Right before this confrontation, Emperor's Wrath admitted that in a span of centuries, he found Hero of Tython most challenging and superior to any Jedi he have encountered before.
Originally posted by DarthBeanzz
But still backed up the actual evidence and reasonable inferences drawn from the evidence.
It is all speculation, my friend.
We don't know if Dooku can outduel Jedi of such repute simultaneously. An argument can be made that Dooku might be superior duelist then each Jedi in question but a Strike Team of competent warriors is a different matter.
Braga can occupy Dooku on his own while the other 2 Jedi use their powers to attack Dooku from behind. I don't see Dooku lasting under such pressure.
It shall be kept in mind that Sedoru, Narezz and Braga weren't (individually) fodder for Hero of Tython; they were boss-level opponents instead. And I don't think that Dooku is better then Hero of Tython.