Ok so there's been a lot of debate about Meetra Surik recently. Some say that her feats place her below members of the Prequel Trilogy council like Kit Fisto, while others place her even lower. I feel like a lot of the problem with people not respecting her abilities is simply a lack of knowledge. This lack of knowledge does not simply regard her however, but the entire era in general. It is for this reason I feel a Respect Thread of the Exile is not needed or necessary, for they do not explain why a feat is important or noteworthy. I've decided to break down each of her feats, looking in depth at the factors involved in an attempt to prove why I believe Surik sits among the greatest Jedi in history.

The feats I will discuss will be her most underrated, those which require background information on the lore to properly respect. These feats will be broken down into three locations. The Ebon Hawk, Telos IV, and Malachor. The Ebon Hawk shows training feats and has explanations of her knowledge. The other two locations house many impressive feats in rapid succession. Individually they are impressive, but when combined together show an unprecedented level stamina and endurance.

The Ebon Hawk

On the Ebon Hawk, Surik received regular training from Kreia, that helped her master all 7 forms of Lightsaber Combat. Her lesser known training however occurred with Visas Marr.

Her Duel against Visas was supervised by Kreia, going all out and sparing neither from harm. The first duel was using a single blade only, the second using two. In both duels Visas was allowed to use her force abilities while the Exile was not. In their final duel, Surik was stripped of all weapons and forced to face Visas with nothing. She was also forbidden to use any offensive force powers.

The feat is made all the more impressive by Visas' accolade. She is stated to be superior in all fronts to any other Sith under her master's control, as his Shadow Hand. Darth Nihilus was under control of many Sith Lords and Dark Jedi Masters, all converts from the golden age of the Jedi. The Kotor Campaign guide attributes Shadow Hands with powers such as: Dark Rage, Force Grip, Force Lightning, Mind Trick and Telekinesis. All of which could be employed against Surik in their duel.

"A shadow hand's expertise [...] is second only to their Master"

The Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide.

This places her above converted Jedi Masters, Shadows, and Battlemasters. Beings who "are experts in more melee styles than most beings know exist." To put into perspective the kinds of people she is above, check out the spoiler tags below.

The many wars of this era compel large numbers of Jedi to become experts in lightsaber and Force-related combat. Some become masters on the battlefield; others become highly skilled duelists, able to battle dark Jedi and Sith in single combat.

"Dozens, if not hundreds of Sith apprentices learn the ways of the dark side of the Force, and a few even rise of the rank of Sith Master, training students of their own. With legions of armored troops spreading throughout the galaxy, all led by masters of the Force, the Sith Empire seems unstoppable.

The first of those quotes indicating one must be a highly skilled duelist to even contend with a Sith, let alone Visas.

At the end of this duel, Kreia declares Surik her equal in combat. This a woman who was supposedly one of the most revered Jedi during their combative prime.

Telos IV

Now onto the more quantifiable of the feats. On Telos IV, the Exile fights through an army of Sith, a powerful Jedi master and one of the strongest Sith ever to grace the galaxy.

Facing Atris

Facing Atris was a feat of pure dueling ability. Atris was herself a Master of the Juyo form of lightsaber combat. Regarding Juyo:

"Only high-level masters of multiple forms can achieve and control the ultimate discipline known as Form VII."

FightSaber

Atris took the mantle of Traya, and revealed that she had been studying the Sith Holocrons gathered from the enclave.

"Atris has openly embraced the dark side and has taken the moniker of Darth Traya. You confront her in her meditation chamber, where it's revealed that Traya has gathered dozens of Sith holocrons"

Prima Official Game Guide

"As a former member of the Jedi Council, Darth Traya [Atris] is a master of lightsaber combat. In addition, she commands an array of potent dark side powers like Drain Life and Force Storm."

The Prima Official Game Guide

Atris' pride is no match for the Jedi Exile's lightsaber prowess.The Kotor Campaign Guide

Clearing out the Station

After defeating Atris, the Exile travels to save Citadel station.

"When you return to Telos, an army of Sith invade Citadel Station."

"Surviving the numerous battles against Dark Jedi and Sith commandos requires controlled aggression and endurance."

"The Sith students of Darth Revan and Darth Malak are many of the same Jedi Crusaders that once fought for the republic. [...] Already proficient in the Jedi arts, these marauders acquire new nefarious talents [...]During the Dark Wars, Surviving Sith students submit to the triumvirate."

She fights through the entire army on Citadel Station, to make sure no more sabotage the fuel Depots. The army is no small task force.

"The Sith's numbers seem limitless..."

"How can you hope to defeat a force so vast and powerful?"

Star Wars: Kotor 2

Fighting Through the Ravager

After fighting through the army, Surik heads for the Ravager which contains Nihilus' most elite forces. She intends to destroy the Ravager using proton cores, after slaying Nihilus in combat.

"Placing the cores won't be easy thanks to the hordes of Sith commandos and officers in your way"

"The Lord of Hunger is protected by several chambers full of Dark Jedi and Sith heavy troopers. You must defeat these minions to reach the bridge and challenge Darth Nihilus himself."

"Several large rooms lie between you and the Bridge, and most of them are full of enemies."

The KOTOR 2 Official Prima Game Guide

After storming the ship she faces lord Nihilus in combat.

"Darth Nihilus is so corrupted by the dark side that his very speech causes pain and death to all who hear it. He wields a red lightsaber in battle, and he readily utilizes Force powers to kill, especially Drain Life. [Visas asks how she may best help to destroy Nihilus, the Exile who] tells her to block the flow of power Nihilus absorbs from the Ravager"

The KOTOR 2 Official Prima Game Guide

"Nihilus' powers grow so extreme, for most beings mere exposure to the Sith Lord would cause Immediate and utterly mindless devotion"Star Wars Insider: 88

If you wish to learn anything more about Darth Nihilus, or for a more in depth analysis on his combat abilities, consult DarthAnt66's Respect thread.

And so it is finished, and Meetra moves on, to...

Malachor V and the Trayus Academy

The Planet

Malachor V is a dark side drenched planet that is physically draining to walk on, as a Light Sider.

"[Malachor V is] a world of cataclysmic violence and concentrated dark side energy."

"The dark side energy seething throughout the planet has created a terrain of jagged rock spires, treacherous paths, and sheer cliffs."

"[The exile must avoid] the glowing green cracks in the soil; these mark the location of poison gas vents."

The KOTOR 2 Prima official Game Guide

"There is a world on the outer rim surrounded by mass shadows. Past the graveyard of Mandalorian warships this planet suffers. Crushed in gravity's fist. To walk on it's surface is to feel it crushing every cell of your being. It is like being buried alive until it seems you will never breathe again."

"There is a place in the galaxy where the dark side of the Force runs strong. It is something of the Sith, but it was fueled by war. It corrupts all that walks on its surface—drowns them in the power of the dark side. It corrupts all life, and it feeds on death."

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2

"Visitors to the planet face extremely harsh conditions"The Kotor Campaign Guide

"Traversing it's surface had been agony. Mentally, she had still sensed the anguish of all who had lost their lives there. Physically, the intense gravity of the world had held her in its crushing grip, leaving her gasping for breath. It had been the most awful and horrific experience of her life."

"On Malachor she'd felt the echoes of unimaginable pain [...] On Malachor she had felt the echo of great destruction"

Star Wars the Old Republic: Revan

Storm Beasts

While traversing the planet, Surik must contend with huge Storm Beasts, 3 meters high and roaming in packs.

"More dangerous still are the storm beasts—massive humanoid brutes twisted into monstrous forms by the corrupting energy of Malachor V"

"You also find a score of storm beasts that attack you in small teams."

The KOTOR 2 Prima Official Game Guide

The Greatest of which meets her close to the core.

"Beyond the tunnels is the storm beast pen, a massive gorge where the formidable greater storm beast prowls"

"Largest of his breed, the greater storm beast possesses immense strength and toughness... Even a well-armored sentinel can find themselves pulverized after a few blows from the greater storm beast."

The KOTOR 2 Prima Official Game Guide

The Trayus Academy

Before reaching Sion and Traya, the Exile must fight through an academy of Sith Assassins.

"Trayus Academy is the home of those Jedi who have succumbed the to dark side taint of Malachor V. To reach the structure's core, where Darth Sion and Kreia await, you must face a legion of elite Sith single-handedly. Skills and subtlety may have served you well previously, but here there is no substitute for raw destructive power, whether through combat feats or Force attacks. Only by fighting your way through the Sith's strongest guardians can you earn the right to confront your nemesis."

The KOTOR 2 Prima Official Game Guide

"Constant battles with numerous Sith assassins are the rule here"

The KOTOR 2 Prima Official Game Guide

These Sith Assassins are the most elite among the empire.

"These surreptitious butchers specialize in practical modes of Jedi execution."

"The most elite of these assassins are the Bladeborn - Sith blademasters"

The Kotor Campaign Guide

"A Sith offshoot dedicated to sword mastery, this [Sith Tremor Sword] was given to masterblades for surviving no less than ten encounters with Lightsaber wielding opponents"The KOTOR 2 Prima Official Game Guide

Travelling through the Academy, she confronts Darth Sion. Slaying him was not an impressive task, but Surik must take him out 4 times in rapid succession before convincing him it is time to depart from this world.

Amazingly dark and devastating powers are the purview of some of the greatest Sith Lords of the Knights of the Old Republic era.

Average beings stand no chance of stopping these ultra-powerful monsters of the dark side.

Source: Power Beyond Belief: Using Ultra-Powerful Sith Lords in Saga Edition (Credit to ShootingNova)

"Perhaps the most rage-filled Sith Lord yet encountered, Darth Sion is a shattered mesh of flesh and bone. Sion is in constant pain, but his body is held together by will and fury. He is a True, Immortal manifestation of the Dark Side of the Force. A feared Lightsaber Assassin, Sion's chaotic wrath is directed towards Sith and Jedi alike."Star Wars Insider: 88

"Few Sith Lords hold mastery over pain or hatred like Darth Sion, Lord of Pain. His visage is terrible to behold: a decomposing body held together by dark side energies channeled by Sion himself, sustaining his life through the Force, powered by anger and hatred. He is in eternal pain but endures it as a small price for apparent immortality. However, in the end, despite his anger, hatred, and manipulation of dark side energy, the Lord of Pain could not defeat the Jedi Exile."Star Wars Insider: 88

After this impressive display, the Exile moves on to Darth Traya. Darth Traya was a master of Lightsaber combat, and was able to teach the Jedi Exile mastery over 3 separate forms of Lightsaber combat, including the two most famed dueling forms, Makashi and Soresu. She has shown herself to have knowledge over all forms of Lightsaber combat, though mastery is unknown.

Truly the most impressive part of the fight for Surik, was that Darth Traya was on a Dark Side Nexus, while Surik was being torn apart by the planet. Yet she still won. Indeed, Traya was more powerful even outside of their encounter, only Surik's skill with a blade would be enough to overwhelm Traya as such. Given Traya's already stated mastery of a blade, that cannot be taken lightly.

"Although Traya was more powerful, the Exile managed to defeat her in combat."

Kotor Campaign Guide

"The nexus of Trayus Academy, the core is a clawlike altar built over a colossal geyser of dark side energy. It is here that you face your ultimate battle and fulfill your destiny"The Prima Official Game Guide

On Malachor, Traya has displayed many impressive displays of speed and telekinesis. Whether they were Nexus feats or not does not matter in this situation, as Traya faced Surik on Malachor. All credit for these gifs goes to ShootingNova.

If you wish to learn more about Darth Traya, or for a full analysis of her powers and dueling abilities, check out ShootingNova's respect thread.

If this thread has failed to convince you that besting her was impressive, I'm sure that blog will do so for me.