In the Seguin/Bilodeau split thread, there have been some unwarranted swipes against Kirsten. I've enjoyed K&M's progress as a team. And I think the aesthetic snobbery against Kirsten is just that. Kirsten has definitely improved in terms of her presentation and aesthetic qualities under Gauthier/Marcotte, and with choreo by Julie Marcotte. Michael is coming along with his partnering skills, and they seem to be developing a good connection with each other on and off the ice.
I really enjoyed Seguin/Bilodeau too, but they've split (and before they split), somehow M-T/M had been eclipsing them in terms of overall results. I think a lot of S/B's slowed momentum had to do with injuries and lack of training time. Apparently Charlie was worried about their overall progress, and he clearly felt they were no longer clicking on all cylinders together. In the long run, hopefully it will work out for them both with new partners. And if they find good partners, it may be a boon for Canadian pairs.
As for the continued sniping about Kirsten, it's unwarranted IMO. At the rate Kirsten & Michael have improved against the odds since they partnered amidst sneering opposition, I don't see any reason why they need to set their sights low. The fact that some fans still seem to have an undigestible beef with them and/or their skating, is constipation for those fans to suffer. Others who have an appetite for good skating and this increasingly strong partnership, can share in the delectable delights K&M and their coaching team have in store for us.
I think ultimately S/B wow factor is their connection/packaging/choreo. They need to maximize this every year while they work to squeeze every tech mark out that they can. Look for a sbs 3L or 3Z and a 3 jump combo this year. Book it. So they'll have that.
S/B have this ability to break down walls between each other and between them and the audience that few pairs can do in the world. When they skate at their best you feel you know them and you certainly like them as well. They need to capitalize on that and pick the right music that builds these connections.
IMHO MT/M have this potential as well but it depends on who packages and choreographs them. We saw a smidge of their ability to connect in their short this year. Their long was beautiful and I'm a fan, but it's something you look at and appreciate vs being drawn into their personality and souls.
I see these two pairs like rooms that have been immaculately decorated by a renowned interior designer. MT/M represent a room you want to take a picture of and put in a magazine. S/B represent a room you want to run into and jump on or soak into the furniture and hang out for awhile.
I have thoroughly enjoyed both these teams. Apparently, S/B peaked and so the appealing furniture and their comforting hospitality wore out rather quickly.
At their best, S/B had a magical chemistry. But their problems off the ice in recent years apparently adversely affected their progress and unity. Unfortunately, they've been unable to overcome the challenges they've faced to come out on the other side intact.
Your interior design analogy was so interesting that I had wanted to respond to you earlier but I never got around to it. In view of S/B's split, it's kind of anti-climactic now.
Personally, I have definitely been drawn into K&M's recent fp choreographed by Julie Marcotte. I like how it grew stronger for them in their second season exploring it. I think it's been a breakthrough program for them that has garnered good marks from judges. They've shown full commitment to their material, and the program was always a joy to watch. K&M definitely seem like skaters and people I'd enjoy hanging out with.
Add to that, the fact of their believing in each other and in themselves to the point where they've stayed the course against many obstacles and have thus far been able to flourish.
