Posted 27 July 2015 - 08:57 AM
First off, it's not like Kruppe can reveal himself as the Eel to just anybody. As the Eel he's an adversary as far as the council is concerned, and also cannot reveal himself to Baruk directly, so all he can do is tip Baruk off to possible dangers. At the same time, he has to take into account that possible spies of the empire are just as capable as he is (refer to the Claw's reputation). He also cannot get involved directly, as that is not his forté - his abilities are of the passive/behind the scenes sort (unless pastries are involved). So he did what he could and trusted in those people for whom he knew the safety of the city to be of high value.
Furthermore, as Andorion already pointed out, there's no "big cheese" as such. There are various powers involved, as well as points of view and assertions/assessments of the power of others. There's the 'slam a warren down your throat' kind of powers (e.g. Raest) and the 'being clever and prepared' kind of powers. Tayschrenn probably did not wake up one day and decide to take a stroll and catch himself a demon lord on the way. Instead, he probably took time to prepare carefully and catch the demon lord unawares, to trap it. Like Tattersail vs. the Hound Tayschrenn might not have been a huge threat to the demon lord in a direct confrantation, though.
Then there are those who care about collateral damage (Anomander Rake) and those who don't give a damn (Raest, again). So whatever massive, world-destroying kawoosh Rake may be able to unleash, he'd never do so in the midst of the continent's most populated city. Especially one which could go up like factory of Moranth munitions, what with all the explosive gas underneath it. Hence why Rake chooses to fight the demon lord one on one while sending the dragons to battle Raest in the hills outside the city. Considering Raest holds up quite well to them without his Finnest, there's no telling what he could've done when in possession of it.
One also has to take into account that K'rul's been cut off from the current gossip for a few millennia at the least. Way back when, Tool may in fact have been "without equal", but then K'rul doesn't specify at what. Fighting? Well, yeah, probably. There's still a few books to find out more about that. Also, consider that, again, like Rake, not everyone goes around professing their martial prowess. Tool is much more overt about that than Rake is, for example, so anyone looking on from the sidelines would naturally assume Tool to be better.
What it comes down to is opinion and motivation and circumstances, and not every statement made has to be the absolute final word on a subject.
Puck was not birthed, she was cleaved from a lava flow and shaped by a fierce god's hands. - [worry]
Ninja Puck, Ninja Puck, really doesn't give a fuck..? - [King Lear]