Yeah same here he's my #2 so I also see him waiting until the final end, it also makes sense for Oda to wait it out.
I don't think Oda thought this far ahead so its makes sense to show out all characters and what it means to be the pinnacle of strength to Mihawk to be one of the final goals of OP.
Yeah and I think we already have hints of Mihawk's power.
We're already introduced to two types of stronger power than just haki alone.
1. Joyboy's haki knot which doesn't have hostility
2. Imu's Omen and Dominion
These are two opposing forces.
Shanks and Luffy will have similar to Joyboy's power.
Mihawk and Zoro will be similar to Imu's.
Black blade is going to be Omen and Dominion, submitting to the blade's will. Maybe Ashura is Omen too.
(though I think Zoro will use both because of Wado Ichimonji, which won't turn black because it is not a corrupted/cursed sword)
The point is now that Imu and Joyboy has shown another level of power, Oda might finally show a glimpse of Mihawk's true strength, and so as Shanks.