With Shukaku gone is Gaara weaker than he was with it and how about his automatic sand barrier?
Initially, he is less powerful than he was with Shukaku, but as with Naruto, true strength is found in protecting those you care about. Gaara, I believe, will eventually be stronger. He still is able to wield sand, and control his barrier still. I believe that all of his powers can be regained and eventually improved with his renewed strength that is found with having friends who help him and those he cares about enough to protect, such as in protecting Rock Lee againt Kimmimaro in the Sasuke Retrieval Arc. And yes, I agree, that if Gaara does have someone to protect he will become 10 times stronger (or more) than before. Gaara protected Rock Lee from Kimimaro, and he actually stood a chance against Kimimaro, who's about as strong as Kakashi, and that Gaara is stronger than Drunk Lee, AND Fox Naruto together.By blocking the force of Raikage's Lightning Kick (stronger than the power of Tsunade), blocking Amaterasu (an almost instant technique), and being made Commander General of the whole Allied Shinobi Forces, it is more likely he has gotten far stronger than what we would have expected, but this can only be stated true.__________________________________________________________It is confirmed (Spoilers) Gaara has gotten far stronger than before. His sand speed is on par with Sasuke's Amaterasu, a technique that is believed to be almost instant. Gaara's sand defense is strong enough to block A's (well known for his strength) attack including his Raiton Armor (Raiton Release are usually seen to penetrate anything), including Sasuke's Amaterasu attacks, which do not seem to burn through his sand (Amaterasu burns through ANYTHING). His sand's offense is able to overpower his Father's Gold Dust, a technique which overpowers Shukaku's sand. His Automatic Sand Shield is revealed to his father that it is from his mother's true love, never from Shukaku's. Gaara has yet to reveal several more of his new powers. He has gotten stronger and is on par with the other S-Class Villain and Heroes.