I don't know, that was a pretty lame part of the series all of the OMG this will shake the empire, then when Tuon finds out it was no big deal.  She doesn't even care that she has the ability to channel if taught.

Judging from Avi's visions, Randland is going to undergo an industrial revolution after the LB. This means that technology is going to be a potent balance against channelers.

 

The invention of firearms means channelers will be more vulnerable than ever.

It seems an empire is best suited to early industrialization. Rails, good for empire.

Guns are good when handcrafted just right, but when you produce hundreds of identical rifles, guns become even more powerful.