trence5 wrote:It might would explain how Megatron is as strong, if not stronger than, Optimus in any continuity you can think of....
I would say that Megatron is as strong or stronger than Optimus because he is a war machine, as far back as I can remember Decepticons were the military arm and Autobots were the civilians. For the most part a military trained (or in this case built) solider/leader is most likely going to be better at the art of war that civilians forced into fighting. Civilians aren't as well trained and usually don't have the sophisticated weaponry/tactics that a military will have.
I think Optimus is more like the General Washington of the transformers world ... he's a great leader who can adapt to the situation depending on who/what he has available. Very rarely do you see an Autobot "full scale assault" ... that would be like running up to a tank and trying to fight it off with a stick ... I highly doubt the stick will win.
So as far as Megatron being a Prime ... I see no way that is possible, even in the loose movie world. Personally I think it is quite clear as the movie quotes saying only a Prime can kill a Prime. The Fallen wants Optimus dead and when he kills him, they tell Jetfire that the only Prime left is gone. The Fallen doesn't even seem to care about Megatron ... I don't care how loyal someone is ... if they can kill me, I'm going to get rid of them, especially when they become the biggest threat to my existence.
I also feel that if Megatron was a Prime, he would not have needed The Fallen to use/find the Matrix, "We have been watching you for a very long time. You have fought for Optimus, our last decedent with courage and with sacrifice; the virtues of a leader. A leader worthy of our secret, the Matrix of leadership is not found, it is earned. Return now to Optimus, merge the matrix with his spark. It is and always has been, your destiny." Since the Original Primes all used the Matrix it is logically that Optimus (a Prime) could use it and The Fallen (also a Prime) could steal it back and use it. I'm sure that if Megatron tried to use it ... it would crumble to dust as he touched it.
Omega Supreme: "Constructicons?! Constructicons enemies. Enemies, DIE!"
Optimus Prime: "This is a military mission, not a vendetta, Omega."
Omega Supreme: "Results: same!"