I think everyone is forgetting that Azshara’s goal was to buy as much time as possible for the ritual to free N’Zoth. She was defeated yes, but I do not think this was Azshara ”going all out.” It is not clear what all was actually needed for this ritual aside from our Heart of Azeroth. Clearly a certain amount of skill/power was needed because we were tested in Crucible and the different quotes from Azshara (particularly the group wipe one in her encounter).
If I had to guess, “the ritual” required precision and was very much a give-and-take. Azshara was “testing” us by pushing us—and eliminating us if we did not have the required power for the ritual. However, she couldn’t straight up wipe us because we were crucial in the ritual and she also had to buy time while forcing us to power up the console by exerting some force against us.
Despite my speculation and the intrinsics of the encounter, I firmly believe that Azshara had to hold back and buy time, while forcing us to power up the console, but still hold us at bay. When we see her next, she won’t be performing some ancient ritual where she is confined, and I’m guessing it will take more than Jaina and Lorthremar standing with us to take her out. I’m thinking Tyrande, Malfurion, Thalyssra, Jaina, and Lorthremar are going to want to face the Queen.