My thoughts on Russian ladies:
1. Shcherbakova- Wonderful, exquisite. She's been my favorite for four years, and it's so wonderful to see her grow into the beautiful young woman and skater that she is. I watched her 3 Nationals winning programs in order, and every year she improves. Sure, her 4lutz isn't the insanely huge one she had when she was 14, but it looks stronger. I don't mind her skating to "soft and pretty" because she is exquisite at it, and it lends to a very calming skate which I think makes it easier to skate cleanly. She's an amazing dancer and can skate/dance to anything, but as long as she gets her PCS with this type of program, I'm fine with it. What a champion.
2. Valieva- First time she skated Bolero clean, and it was amazing to me. I still pick her for OGM. What was nice to see here was the competitive athlete emerging from her. She didn't look scared. And I think her 'loss' while skating a clean competition minus a fall on a 3axel is just what she needed. It is taking the pressure of being the chosen one off her shoulders. I think we'll start seeing a more fiery and determined skater out there, not just a unicorn who feels the pressure of being perfect. A great competition from her. On a superficial note, I really think her costume should be two-toned top and bottom. There was too much black and her lines and choreography for me were getting lost by all that black. I'd consider maybe red top/arms and black below. Her 4toe is enormous, and her 3axel is really there, she just needs more practice in competition with it. Watch out for the Olympic season.
3. Trusova- I was so happy for her to skate a clean competition. Her improvement is undeniable which is good to see. But, her PCS is much lower than the top two deservedly. What I think she should do leading up to the Olympics: 1. Get the 3axel down. Stop training 4loops or 4flips. Focus on a program with 2 4lutzes, a 3axel, and a 4toe and keep training the 4sal because she can easily do a 4toe in the second half. 2. Work on her spins, like at least an hour a day. She's a very good spinner but compared to Shcher and Val there is no comparison, in fact, they look weaker than they actually are in comparison. She's not as naturally flexible which limits her, but just improving her speed and positions in her spins will make a big difference. 3. For her presentation, I didn't mind either of her programs. I think she needs more powerful music. She can create a "moment" with her jumps. R/J was okay for her. I want her to still package herself more 'ladylike' (I know, barf, but hear me out). Not to go back to programs like Daenyres or those others because she won't be competitive with the top two, only because I feel she would still be perceived as just a jumper. The Stojko of the group. She's capable of it, and I'm pleased with her work with Pluschenko in just this short amount of time.
4. Usacheva- I love her programs. I think she has amazing skills, excellent attention to detail. Now she just needs some ultra-C. And really work on that lutz edge even if she didn't get called. The only skaters' programs I have watched over and over again this season have been hers, Akatieva's, Valieva's and Shcherbakova's. I guess I don't mind Daniil choreography, LOL. But Daria is really growing into herself and her skating, and looks so confident now. Good for her.