Quote Originally Posted by KnightDisciple View Post
Lee ended up opening 5 in his fight with Gaara. That alone wrecked him pretty bad.

Gai's opened up to 7 Gates with no adverse affects.

In my mind, this means it takes a lot of time and training to be able to open those gates without wrecking your body, even putting aside the death sentence of the 8th gate.
Um, I re-checked and Kakashi says he can open gates, too.

So, if you can tech that skill to talent-less Lee, why you need Tailed Beasts at all? Anyone who can open a 7th gate can equal a Host, anyone who can open 8th can effortlessly kill a host if needed. Get some prodigies and you won't need unreliable beasties at all.