Do you think their attacks will be ineffective on his smaller form which doesnt have dragon scales as they are ineffective on scaled large one?
Zoan is never better than base form indeed but that is in 1vs1 scenario, this is 9vs1 where the size of the body handles dmg better.
Yes, as a dragon he is a huge and easy target but the Scabbards dont have enough damage to harm him significantly.
Inuarashi has stuck him foot blade all the way into the dragon form and it did nothing to him, if he sticks it all the way in into base form, the blade will exit on the other side of Kaido... Surely, he is more agile in base form and has a club to defend with but it's still 9vs1.
For what i see kaido was only pierced in dragon form cause hes to big and cant avoid his huge body from getting atacked by 9 at the same time.
As base he IS way smaller and can avoid that, by blocking like you Said or being able to Dodge, but If he get pierced could get more damage too as you Said.
But i do think hes strong in his base form as Well, hes main atack that put down Oden and luffy can only be used in base. So thats why i think he IS considerably strong in base form.
Pros:
-He can block atacks now.
-He can Dodge atack way easier since he smaller and way faster.
-He can use his main atack (until now) with his weapons.
Con:
A hit can hurt him more ( but being able to do that above, i really doubt he Will get great damage)
So FOR ME base kaido>>>>>>>>> not hibrid dragon kaido.
=)