I've never thought of it before, but maybe Cid did overshadow Barret, in every way. He took control of his emotional speeches, and swore constantly with his matching cigar. He helped the group largely, with the whole Highwind, but Barret is still great though.

I think Cloud was just irrelevant to Sephiroth, but was merely a tool at his free disposal. He only realized that Cloud was a threat, once he had challenged him at the north crater, and from then on the rivalry had began.