Let me turn the topic into an analogy.
There is a master that is skillful in straightsword. Everyone knows that the straight sword is fast and versatile. It is usually a point Jing or focused smaller Jing at the sword tip, forward end, mid section, back section or even the handle.
There is a master that is skillful in broadsword. Everyone knows that the Dao is wider, heavier and slower. However, you would lose something, if the Dao sways toward you.
Who would win? Jian vs Dao.
There is a bomber called Heinkel that carries bombs, front and rear machine guns.
There is a fighter called spitfire or hurricane.
Who would win? Fighter vs bomber.
The bomber would excel at bombing runs by carrying more loads of bombs and flying a longer range. However, it is slow.
The fighter would excel at fighting the bombers due to speed and lightweight.
In short;
If the criteria are varied, certain aspects of skill will be better for a certain setting.
If the all the combat conditions are set the same, then whoever is more skillful at the task at hand will win.
So in any combat sport, rules are set to even the plain field except the skill.
The same weight, the height etc such light feather weight, mid weight and heavy weight boxing etc.
So who is more skillful?
And then there is the random factor. There may be a “break” or window of opportunity even for a less skillful fighter to win, too.
On and on.
OOH, the answers to the questions of winning are more than or not just styles, then.
Which weapon to practice? Jian vs Dao. or both.
Which plane to build? Fighter vs bomber. or both.
Which style to learn? A vs B or both.
Does that garantee you to win? May be we need tactics and strategy.
To take the advantage of our strong points and shield or avoid the weakness.
To take the advantage of the opponent’s weakness and avoid his strong points.
I would use a bomber for bombing missions. I would use a fighter to fend off the bombers etc.
