Relative Powers

[Thalion]

I think what Tolkien is saying, in reference to Galadriel, is after The Ban is lifted, she is the mightiest and fairest of The Noldor to remain in Middle-Earth. She refuses to go back to Valinor at that point.

That would be my interpretation as well.......in fact in Letters Tolkien speaks specifically to how she refuses/can't go back to Aman even after the ban because she was one of the main conspirators of the original emigration of the Noldor...but she is redeemed as a result of her good deeds on Middle Earth and her passing the temptation to take the Ring when Frodo gives it to her...I believe there is even a reference somewhere to her having committed no evil deeds, yet because of the ban she was herself caught up the acts of Feanor...thus again...she can't be held higher than any of theh High Kings of the Noldor or her brother Finrod

.....an interesting side note I was thinking about, if one list the houses of the sons of Finwe in order of "might" or "relative powers", how would you rank them?...sticking to just Feanor, Fingolfin and Finarin, which house ranks highest and lowest? (by default that leaves someone in the middle)...slightly off topic I kno, but not necessary outside the realm of this thread...