Well canon wise (PMSS) there is nothing indicating Sakuya is stronger the Meiling. In fact she would be at a disadvantage. Sakuya being human and Meiling being a Youkai who is specifically strong vs humans.
Fencedude said: Except for that whole Time Mage thing.
Could be used to say Sakuya is more powerful then anyone. Also on the flip side one hit from Meiling would take Sakuya's head off. Perfect Memento is really the only gauge of strength.
Hijiri_Byakuren said: This is true, plus SWR is a bit rubbish. UNL cleans up the flaws nicely. I just wonder how that will apply here.
Well, whether it be no melee or grazing melee, it would put physical techniques to a negative situation so, if anything, it just took away Meiling's unique advantage. I don't think the magicians or Sakuya do much in the melee sense so it won't affect them a lot. But she still has danmaku so it's not like she's completely lost.
Also, we are assuming that the Weather will never change, which can make for a pretty easy/simple plot twist.
My guess is that since the focus is on the SDM, he probably won't spend much time on all the other fights, a couple of panels at most for every other match, more for the key fights.