To be honest, I never saw Steve as Peggy's equal (until the end). He was this awkward skinny guy and she was confident, not only in herself, but as a soldier too. She talked back, punched the guy, grabbed the gun, like she knew her place among the men. Steve didn't. He lacked confidence and always seemed amazed with her strength and attitude. I saw him as below her, until he learned his own strength, and ultimately, his sacrifice at the end.