Hypothetically, if we had two spots for Worlds, I think the USFSA would have gone with C/L and D/F, and then named K/O and S-D/B as alternates ahead of the Knierems.
As another poster (I think it was
@kwanfan1818), already mentioned under your hypothetical scenario, I don't think there's any doubt that C/L and K/O would have been named to the World team. With the Knierims having their troubles, C/L and K/O have had the best results for U.S. pairs this season, and K/O are defending 4CCs champions. But I do think it's very difficult to determine what USFS would have done regarding alternate assignments. They are so unpredictable regarding that decisionmaking process.
D/F have done very well in coming back from what has been a rough time dealing with Haven's rehab and various setbacks, coaching changes, and then recently Haven's stress fracture (which has made consistent sbs jumps difficult for her to pull off). I had thought Haven was still working things out mentally re trusting that her knee is fully healed, but it turns out to be more physical issues she's been dealing with. So under those circumstances, D/F have done a great job this season. It's working out very well for them being back with John Z and crew. Plus Charlie White gave them some very good programs, and they are in the wonderful position of being able to train with one of the top championship pairs teams in the world, James/Cipres.
It was interesting watching the Pairs Press Conference where the main focus was about getting back two spots at the World Level for Team USA. Cain and LeDuc have the drive and the hunger to do that.
Yes, I thought the skaters were great in answering the questions, but that many of the questions were not well thought out. It's as if the reporters haven't been following the discipline all year, but only show up at U.S. Nationals to ask obvious, facile questions that have little depth and substance. I am glad we get to see the press conferences, but I wish they would ask better questions, and also spread the questions around more.
There is so much that could have been asked that wasn't. Why not ask Haven & Brandon questions about their switch back to John Z; about working with Charlie White on their programs; about what it's like to train with J/C and other French skaters; about specific aspects of their skating that they have tried to improve and where they think they are in that process; about why they are so good at lifts and what has been key to their success with lifts; about how their roller skating partnership as youngsters has contributed to their success as pairs figure skaters; and about what has been most difficult for Haven mentally in coming back from her knee injury, etc. There's also a ton of interesting questions that could have been asked of S-D/B, and more interesting questions asked of C/L as well. I'm sure we could all come up with a slew of good questions. Meanwhile, D/F and S-D/B were practically ignored. The follow-up to Tim about LGBTQ representation was overkill. Tim had already answered the question sufficiently and eloquently.
I loved hearing about Cain/LeDuc's partnership and how Ashley got through those weeks of not being able to train by pushing away doubts and focusing on visualizing a winning program. It's cool how supportive Ash & Tim are of each other and of their U.S. competitors. I was also glad to see Brandon chip in and speak of how proud he is of Haven, because she has gone through a great deal as well coming back from her knee injury and her stress fracture this season. In addition, kudos to Deanna for jumping in and speaking up when the reporters were ignoring them and focusing mainly on Ash & Tim. Deanna spoke up on behalf of U.S. pairs and how important this transitional year is for the U.S. discipline in trying to make strides to regain 2 spots and push forward. She didn't say it, but the goal should be to get in a position of being able to eventually land 3 spots. But gaining 2 spots definitely needs to happen because the U.S. has talented teams who need more opportunities to compete at Worlds.
