I'm liking option 2 to be honest, makes some sense as the two kingpins are too focused on each other to view our 'heroes' as a major threats. Then when one's taken down by said 'heroes' the other starts to realize the threat, then things start spiraling downwards. But if option 3 is easier to work with, I'm fine with that.

Still working on that character BTW, taking longer than I'd like :/