Psy Clash Question

I'm reading the rules for Binders (exorcist antagonists for Admin to use), and I'm confused about their reaction:

Attack (1) Psy clash: Can use once a scene. Choose an exorcist. The exorcist rolls PSYCHE, the binder rolls dice equal to half their CAT, rounded up. This roll cannot be modified. The targeted exorcist and the Admin can each describe how they lock into a fierce clash with their powers. Compare the number of successes. The loser takes stress or slashes equal to twice the difference between the result of their final roll and the winner’s. If the binder loses, they are pushed back and can use this ability again this scene.

Let's say we have CAT 3 party fighting a CAT 3 Binder. In this clash both sides can have a result of 0-2 successes, as both roll 2 dice each. That means the loser would take either 2 or 4 stress/slashes, as the only possible outcomes for successes here are a tie, 0-1, 1-2 and 2-3. Meanwhile, an ordinary "Inflict stress" reaction deals 5 stress on (1), 3 stress on (2-3) and 2 stress on (4+).

Am I reading the ability wrong or does this "worst-case-scenario once per scene" reaction is weaker than an average attack? Also, what happens on a tie?