Gaara is a lot closer to becoming a good guy, than he was, prior to his fight with Naruto. People who fight against Naruto learn a lot about kindness and all that other mumbo jumbo.

I reiterate - People give the Kyuubi WAY too much credit. Yeah, it's badass and all, but is it always going to be a 100% working trump card? No.

Here's what I'm probably seeing. (I didn't read this thread yet, btw)

"This next guy looks pretty strong. Oh well, that's ok. Naruto has Kyuubi. He'll surely win!"

See what I'm getting at? Give the new guy some credit, before shutting him out and saying he'd lose.