Well, Sanji was stabbed by Absalom in that arc the way Zoro was stabbed by Kamazou in Wano before fainting so :kizabat:
See, many Zoro fans would actually run with that and push that notion, ignoring other significant story cues just to push their narratives.
I absolutely disagree that being able to survive the pain from Luffy was the most important aspect of that scene, the way
@HA001 claims is the case.
I do however agree that Zoro being allowed to make the sacrifice is a nod from Oda over Sanji, in his favor. Naturally, like the unbiased person i am also acknowledging the significance of pushing Sanji alongside him as the final two standing and ready to make that sacrifice.
Zoro was all but dead, so i absolutely could see Sanji dying in his place. The fact that we've seen him surviving it and making the sacrifice is enough though to give him the portrayal advantage without trying to push anything more on Sanji.
I do actually agree with
@HA001 that he is most suited to support Luffy, and that's why he is now on the roof alongside him. I do agree that he is the closest thing Luffy has to a First Mate in the crew.
Even when Oda singles out both Zoro and Sanji from the rest, Zoro edges Sanji out.
If only others would be 10% as willing to acknowledge Sanji's merits as i am to acknowledge Zoro's.