As opposed to Axel, who managed to set the three factions against each other, bringing down the whole scheme, wiping out a third of the Organization, and walked away alive, having accomplished both his overt and covert mission, and protected the secret of Roxas?
Marluxia thought he was a player; Axel is a player.
Also, in combat, Axel is a bit of a Jack of all trades, comfortable at range or up close, using pyromancy or his chakram. That, plus his intangibles, allow him to be alot more adaptable in a fight, giving him an advantage.
I don't remember saying anything related to contrasting Marluxia to Axel. I only said that Marluxia is one of those types of schemers in order to point out why he was holding back/biding for time when Axel confronted him.
Both Zexion and Axel (as well as Xemnas and even Ansem SoD) fall into the same category in different nuances.
Yea, Axel's main strength is versatility, but not power, hence why he isn't far up in the listing Nomura gave.
If the question is who's the most effective Organisation member, Axel is sure to be ranked higher.