I still don't think the strawhats are gonna basically solo the beast pirates this arc
With all the allies we have this arc that just doesn't make much sense imo
- The fishmen pirates if they're actually there. They might not be tho
- The scabbards and most the significant people of wano
- The mink
- The kid pirates
- Heart pirates
- The likely whitebeard pirates remnants
- Drake likely calling the marines
- Apoo still might have something up his sleeve to turn on legit everyone beast pirates included
I still think the strawhats will solo their first yonko next arc with the grand fleet
To prove that they can do it by themselves
Honestly, its the best way right now. When Luffy beat Crocodile, we all knew the Shichibukai were wildly varied in terms of strength because between Mihawk and Crocodile, it was made clear (not to mention Doflamingo/Kuma being shown soon after and just knowing that these men were levels above Crocodile too). It was CLEAR Luffy had tons of growth to go and defeat future Shichibukai (Moria and Doflamingo), while gaining the respect of others (Hancock/Jinbe).
With the Yonko, we can't truly say the same thing. Luffy and his crew really do need a super alliance to really end these two Yonko powers at the moment. When this arc is finished, and I assume its the end for Kaido and maybe Big Mom, it still leaves the door open for Blackbeard/Shanks/Akainu and whomever else to have more deeply personal, heavier fights that are much more warranted. I expect Luffy to receive some sort of help throughout most of his Kaido fight. I expect some as of yet unknown top tiers (former WB/Roger pirates from Neko maybe?) to at least hold back Big Mom while this happens. However, I DON'T expect someone to help Luffy when he fights Blackbeard or Akainu or Im or whatever.
THAT'S were the difference is for me. Luffy will fight Kaido 1v1 but not until others perform significant feats against him. "In a 1v1, always bet on Kaido". I think this will ALWAYS hold true even after he is defeated. They will need to jump him, and it will leave the stakes for future villains still.