[quote](though it makes one wonder how she beats out Sabers older than her but meh)[/quote]
The simple explanation is that there is no linear scale of younger = more skilled to offset older generally being more powerful (because there are weak older Servants and some more recent outliers). Consequently, simply removing NPs from the equation doesn't guarantee an even fight; you'd have to remove some skills (mana burst breaking everything), physical strength, and possibly equalise the weapons--and depending on who it is, then it's still only even when reduced to a pure contest of skill.

Top Servants are dangerous regardless of how they come out. External factors like trickery or some overall strategy need to come in.