But that’s not the point. The point is a lot of times in order for Oda to add tension to arcs he artificially adds some caveat that holds the SH’s back (typically a member of the M3)
It’s always been like that and it’s never changed
In Arlong Park Luffy is set to the side and is only freed at the very end when it’s time to face Arlong and Zoro/Sanji are already spent from their matchups
In Little Garden Sanji is set to the wayside because if they were all together there would be no issues
In Skypiea Luffy is stuck inside a snake for 10-20+ chapters because if he’s freed any earlier especially when the Enel 1v4 happens the arc ends right there
In Water 7 Usopp is left alone with none of the stronger members to guard him because the plot can’t happen without it. We literally see what would’ve happened if the other members were there when they demolished the Franky house
In Thriller Bark emphasis is placed on Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji being captured (while separate, mind you) because of this formula
Oda has never shied away from this tactic. It’s basically the core of One Piece