Seriously this is kind of stupid… by reading alot of the posts it seems to me like you guys are saying
Brawler >>> Swordsman
and that if you are a swordsman you can't become the PK which is definately not true! Are you guys saying this?!?! Of course not but it sounds like thats what you guys are saying.
these are just methods of combat! its like saying one type of martial artist is superior to another martial artist that uses a different style.
Mihawk saying becoming the PK being harder is because you have more trials to do. Unlike best swordsman where you just have to beat the strongest, being PK is NOT about beating up the most powerful man in the world. You also have to obtain wealth, a powerful crew, etc...
also think about it when you are aiming to become the worlds greatest swordsman most of the enemies you fight are swordsmen.
Now the path to being PK is also harder because in this path your opponents can include, brawlers, ability users, and even swordsmen! also I don't think being a swordsman only will have the world government chasing after you. Eg they executed Gold Roger, but being a swordsman seems perfectly legal.
Sidenote, I think Zoro and maybe Sanji could have taken on Lucci. Luffy, Zoro, Sanji grow the most during their fights and I think that eventually during the fight, being put in a situation so close to death they would have prevailed against the enemy. Also look how much Luffys gear two evolved from the battle between Blueno and Lucci. Just my opinion.
EDIT:
@Hawkeye:
And how did he lose that wieght? by fighting the Mr. 5 in the house which probably took some endurance away
Your kidding me right?? Did you watch/read the arc? Zoro took on Baroque Works just before the fight, and even got mild injuries. Plus Luffy always gets reenergized after eating meat and plus he had a nap. I dont see how that hinders him. Sure you could argue about just stuffing yourself, but thats a moot point for Luffy. Also although Zoro never gets drunk, all he did was pretty much drink which would technically hinder you more then eating a taking a nap.