“Even knowing that עז is the worst, why should that NECESSITATE it having the more severe punishment?
If they are not correlated so why does it follow”
Because GENERALLY a worse aveira has a worse punishment, but it doesnt “necessitate” it having a worse punishment. R’ Shimon may very well hold that this is yet another exception ( I glanced at the Gemara quickly it doesnt look like the Gemara there or mefarshim on th page discuss this point. What does R’ Shimon (who holds sereifa is worse) reply? )
“Were I to have no other information to go on”
Ah, but you do have other information to go on! – common sense. Like I described above. we dont need a source to tell us a thornbush is prickly. If I ask you whats more 1 or 2 you dont need a raayah from chazal. If I ask you whats worse hitting or chopping of a leg. you dont need o look that up. similarly if I ask you wahts worse meanes or stealing. just ask a person who has had both, you dont (or at least shouldnt) need chazal to tell you that.
“Unfortunately for your side, there is plenty more information, as that is the sugya of the Gemarah”
not at all. There is no gemara (that I’m aware) of that says hitting is worse.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around this so I hope you dont mind my belaboring this point, since I find your position fascinating
If I told you ” KY you know how I always hit people who block my driveway, well my kabalah to work on myself this year is that now on I will only chop of their legs no more hitting”
your response would be (according to the tzad that malkos is worse punishment) “good for you thats a step in the right direction” correct?