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That comparison (which you just commented upon) also struck me as being less than fitting.

The Pauline Epistles held in less esteem than the synoptic Gospels? By whom? And if so, to what extent? It seemed another of those manufactured arguments. They just keep coming.

In comparison, those OT books Luther moved to appendix did have some long (albeit not entirely universal) history of being held in much lesser regard. We do not see the same for Paul's letters, well, until perhaps by papal decree Paul became declared to be subservient to Peter? -- and if any disagrees with that, then anathema upon them.

To cover that sort of thing with the "this church among all others alone, has never erred" thinking, is just so much after-the-fact justification or cover-up.

Let us all return to the more and most original articles (of faith) please...

I agree. The argument concerning the Gospels being more esteemed than the Epistles was made by several Roman Catholics in the past as well as stated here. It had to do with the "words of Jesus" (the red ones) being more authoritative than what Paul or the others wrote after Jesus ascended. I think it has more to do with the realization that Paul contradicts the interpretation of what they say Jesus taught, but which we know he never does. It is interesting that a simple reading of Paul's words sounds so against what they have come to believe is the gospel. The only explanation they can come up with is Jesus' words count more than Paul's so forget what Paul said, just hear Jesus. When I first started studying the Bible, I also thought the same thing, but the more I learned and listened to the Holy Spirit, the more I came to realize that they were not in conflict - just my unlearned understanding was wrong.

What is obviously overlooked is that the SAME Holy Spirit brought to the gospel writer's remembrance all that Jesus had taught them ALSO moved the rest of Scripture's writers to write what they did. Paul certainly wasn't just going by the seat of his pants (robe?) here, he was writing what GOD told him specifically to write and, as Daniel1212 has said many times, those words had power behind them to change a person's very life and eternity. Scripture is "alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Heb. 4:12). Somehow, I just don't get that same vibe reading "I also will here make an end of my narration. Which if I have done well, and as it becometh the history, it is what I desired: but if not so perfectly, it must be pardoned me" (2 Maccabees 15:28, 39)."