Yes they copy abilities, and their fighting capabilities is definitely dependent on your own. They can slide up or down depending on you perform. Pierce is watching each of the fights as best he can and will be adjusting the clones along the way. That's all stuff that will be happening in the background so don't worry about narrating that. Just have fun with it and take the fight in the direction that you all want to. BTW you are not forced to stay on this sparring ring, you have the whole "gymnasium" to work with, bleachers and all :D.