S/B are a good team that is lacking that something extra to make them great, IMO. I find many of S/B’s elements and skating to be small, in comparison to the top teams, and I think they lack a wow factor. Everything is good and competent, but not great. Their throws don’t seem to get a lot of distance. The twist, while competent, isn’t at Knierims, S/M or T/M level where it’s a highlight. Skating skills are good but not amazing. Everything is fine but nothing stands out. This is fine if you’re a junior team but you need something extra to make it to the top on seniors. They showed a lot of personality earlier in their careers but the programs this year are a miss, IMO. The salchow has always been somewhat inconsistent for them, and unfortunately, the pairs field is really deep right now and you can’t afford mistakes.
She does look to have gained weight (which is not to say she’s fat) and her face seems puffy in a way that seems to indicate some sort of steroid. I hope she’s okay. I’m not a big fan (yet) but they are both very talented.