Excellent job. I always used to think there was something odd about how Nami, Vivi, and Robin all needed Luffy's help to defeat their problems, but after reading this, it seems that every Strawhat needed Luffy's help to get them out a situation before they were able to join (not sure about Franky though).

I would never have called it sexist; cliched perhaps but my edge on that side is fading. I also never thought it meant any of the woman were weak. I'm thinking here of one of the scenes you referenced, when Nami goes to face Arlong and says she'll kill him...she chooses to resist and break free regardless of the consequences. I've always appriecated that this happened before Luffy beat Arlong.

Anyway, it's a great thoughout piece. It's seems to strike at some really valid points.