@Phoenix:
Lol, it was comedy relief from the very beginning. Hiroko was trolling in not deciding a winner so it ended in a draw. Then right after it was the see you later bus gag with Takumi blushing. It was never serious to begin with.
Their battle was serious, its Takumi's personality that nobody takes seriously. His brother said so himself, his brother is a bit of a fluff, but when he cooks he does so seriously. Just like Soma, Takumi lived/worked in a kitchen, as "pros" as they both describe themselves. Also Soma stated "there is someone my age who can do this much" in reference to Takumi's skills. Its not like Takumi was ever a pushover to begin with.
@Nekketsu:
No shit sherlock, you said it yourself. The 'main character', of course he gets most of the spotlight. And yet he has lost quite a few times, he's not invulnerable.
Main character doesn't equate to fighting all your friend's battles.