Wow you guys post some really good ideas that make me see One Piece in a new way. However I think some of you jump to conclusions way to early. In One Piece there are too many what ifs. I would like to comment on some of your guys posts though.
First off although Whitebeard does have the title of World's Strongest Man, but titles are meant to be taken. Taking boxing for example, you have a world champ and if people were to ask who's the greatest boxer right now many would probaly say him but that by no means does make it true and surely that guy won't be champ forever. In my opinion titles are meant to be taken, and there will be a successor to that title. Also sometimes titles are just titles and nothing more. Its true in Whitebeard's case he earned the title but it is uncertain that since the execution of Roger he has been challenged for that title. Take Dragon, we have no idea about his fighting abilities (except he's strong) but his goal isn't to be the World's Strongest Man. He wants a revolution. If he wanted to pursue that title who the hell know as of now what would happen?
Second although Blackbeard does seem to me that he will be Luffy's final opponent, I will never rule out the possibility of others. I know Final Fantasy has nothing to do with One Piece but in many of those games the final boss is someone you did not expect. This also happens in manga as well. The fact that Oda's favourite actual pirate is Blackbeard does not provide solid proof he will be the final opponent. Buggy is Oda favourite villian but I just don't see him being the final opponent at all. Also I think when Shanks fought Blackbeard, Shanks was still stronger at that time (not saying he is now) but it seems to me that what Shanks found Blackbeard to be so dangerous was his potential and dreams.
Also a comment about Lafitte (sp?)
Does anyone wonder how strong he is? People mention that he can use Soru but to me it seems like he can use something even above that. For instance when he entered the meeting to promote BB he was unnoticed. If it was just Soru I would be pretty dissappointed if people like Donflammingo, Mihawk, Sengoku could not detect it. I mean Luffy and others can so they should easily be able to right? Also if he is Blackbeards subordinate doesnt that make you wonder how truly powerful Blackbeard is?
Also, i was reading the Manga again and this scene really intrigues me. It could be Oda's forshadowing or just my crazy thoughts
http://groups.msn.com/OnePieceManga/onepiecechapter225.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=4358
but for some reason it looks like Luffy and Zoro know that Blackbeard and his crew are going to be hella dangerous and the fight between them will be inevitable.
Well thats it for now, i thought i had more to say but i think i forgot…