I mean arbitrary or not it's just my opinion on where she stands. Never said she couldn't compete with those chars I just personally think that they are better. Dash punch being high (as it should be) actually means something in this game since D2 krushing blows are a thing, and yeah in conjunction with B2 its two good tools to help her in midrange along with her forward walk speed. Again, nobody has downplayed the strength of this character at all but people seem to think we are. The whole thread echoes all of the strengths she has that you listed especially her up close game that we're supposedly downplaying which revolves around staggers using her good frames and conditioning.
Again personal opinion but I think Sonya is better due to her offense revolving around a legit mix that you have to just guess. One option is punishable but the other is safe and pseudo hit confirmable. Add to that the best projectile in the game with onion rings and the turret drop zoning, great wavedash, damage, etc. Her presence everywhere on the screen means imo she gets her game off a bit easier than Jacqui. Which is exactly what I said about the chars I listed: they also have dirt and good stuff about them but either they control the match against a majority of the cast or their access to getting their dirt started is a bit easier. Just to reiterate my thoughts Jacqui: sheis a very good character who is more than viable and sits comfortably in the higher portion of the cast. Not trying to come off as if I feel otherwise.
I only played her like 3 games but nobody tech'd the reversal throw