Right, and what choice did she have? It was more than enough Ashley had to take her career into her own hands and fight tooth and nail for everything she accomplished. No respect, but that's figure skating.
Ashley's immediate reaction is exactly how she still feels, but she's a professional too, as well as a realist. It's similar to how Mirai felt in 2014 -- in a rebellious mood, until she took a deep breath and got counsel from supporters and realized she'd have to accept the decision and keep fighting for her career like nobody's business. Even then some in USFS were still trying to sabotage Mirai (just ask Tom Z). That hug between Mirai and Ashley backstage said it all. Mutual respect and understanding for what it feels like being dismissed. It's like in corporate America when you're pushed out and you simply have to resign (sometimes with a golden parachute). Ashley has no parachute and nothing golden except her courage, desire and feisty 'tude.
It was interesting that the podium shot showed all four ladies standing apart from each other, instead of close together. No love lost, although there's great respect between Mirai and Ashley, but they were on opposite ends of the podium.
Here's Phil Hersh's take:
http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2018/01/06/264361486
Nope Phil, it's not the position Ashley should be in, but yes she is gracious, at the end of the day. Yep Ashley needed to take better stock and make some different decisions post 2016 Worlds, but USFS is also at fault in many many ways. Stop loading all the blame on skaters.
