Too bad the SH have 4 mid trio members and 3 weak trio members.
Thats like saying the Flying Six arent all variable in power. CP9 had 2 members taken care of by 2 weak trio members so whats the problem?
This IS the arc to have breakthroughs.
Anyway OP, also 9 scabbards (w/ Shinobu) and possibly 9 Numbers (cards 2-10). If Kaido's son is the Ace, I could see Luffy fighting him before Kaido, who gets tagteamed by the supernova. Essentially Luffy and Zoro could have their initial, big fights against Ace/King, while the other supernova play their roles (fighting BM crew members for example), then they fight the two Yonko (by this point Neko would have brought support and Drake called in Sword or something). Then a huge blowout type fight against both Yonko. Allows Luffy to have his victory at another Yonko commander who may be stronger than Kata, but not allow him to solo Kaido, lowering the stakes for the rest of the series.