I feel like this would be an interesting topic to talk about on its own as we all have different opinions on which Area is considered to be the hardest, or most challenging. I am in no way saying Area B is "easy". Just compared to Area C, who has bands with State Championship titles, Finalist placements, State appearances, etc. Area B has less bands under the Area's belt with those accolades. (I counted 8 bands that have a history/reputation in the State world, and compare that to Area C with about 11 bands, just not quite there.)
Area B has a bunch of really good quality bands that are just starting to showcase themselves recently because of the re-alignment and the removal of the Region 25 bands but not what I would consider to be the deepest 4A Area lineup. Definitely top 2 or 3 though for sure.
1st Predictions for Area B... State Advancers ONLY (for now)
1st - China Spring
2nd - Panther Creek
3rd - Gatesville
4th - Robinson
5th/Alternate - Aubrey and/or Krum