You don't need awakening to be top tier, just look at WB or Roger who didn't even have a DF
Kaido not having awakening is irrelevant, since hes was still one of the top dogs (Oda could even say he did have it in a SBS or something)
Admirals might not have awakening either but they're also one of the top dogs
Not to mention lots of characters that have shown awakening are still scrubs too
braindead agenda in this thread