i agree with jmt on this one.
i don't see any point at all in doing endurance activities with weights unless, maybe, you have to do it for a living or something.
bricklayers lift weights all day long and they aint impressive at all.
powerlifters are the strongest people around, no question. i agree that leverages etc help in competition, but all things being equal lifting big weights in basic movements is still the best way to get strong.
adonis has got a good point about strength being relative, but it is still the case that all things being equal (many variables here), those that lift more and more weight in correct form will get stronger themselves.
there is such a contrast in people's physiology though that what may be a productive exercise for some just causes injury in others (press behind neck for example).
one of the main objectives of a smart powerlifter is to find a way to shorten the movement and reduce rotation around the joints ie greater weight lifted with less strain on stabilizers and connective tissues.