So are we back to literal distance scaling again?
If he is measuring the distance between himself and Whitebeard metaphorically cause "subordinates" then he is testing the subordinates instead of Whitebeard.
Mihawk the Top Tier, supposedly finds it necessary to test if feckin High Tiers are going to prevent him from reaching Whitebeard.
And the answer is yes? That is what you are going with?
Damn, I didn't know you hated Mihawk like that.