I think this is her motivation. As to her choice of partner, I agree with
@marbri that he fit a requirement. At the moment. But, since Germany has released her, a whole lot of pair guys in the US may be taking a sudden interest, especially if they'd like World medals which they all do. Let's face it, she is better than any US female pair skater even at age 37. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to hear that someone else is her partner by the time the season starts. I doubt any of them thought she could get a release, but after today, it's a whole different ball game if they want a chance at world medals. She not only likes to compete, she likes to win. What would the conversation be if LeDuc or Fraser or Johnson or any of the other possible male partners suddenly take notice? I'd bet a lot that more than one of them is thinking, hmmmm.....