I voted for Rachael too, because of the huge improvement in her EOE sp over the previous SP-and for landing a 3lz3lp (even if the lp was < underrotated) in her long at 4CCs. Looking back over US nationals, Rachael's SP was the ladies' performance I remembered most & liked best. I could easily have voted for Mao's taking her jump technique apart and getting them back together enough by Japanese Nationals and 4CC's to medal that's impressive! But I didn't see those performances live, and I always go with a live performance over a youtube one.
And yes, she made me smile, too
Of course, the year's not over, and Yu Na could sweep away this competition at Worlds!!
I voted for Rachael too as her speed & performance have improved IMO. I love that her programs are upbeat & not the cookie cutter balletic style that most of the other girls aspire to.
Alissa and Rachael have had my utmost admiration all season for different reasons. They both have clearly worked incredibly hard to overcome their different obstacles - Alissa to put her disappointing year behind her and prove she still has a place among the top skaters - and Rachael with her injury and then the courage and presence of mind to change her SP - shows SUCH maturity from a teenager. I'm very glad both of them are going to worlds and thrilled for them that the ISU was able to reschedule it.
I voted for Alssa because to be honest, I didn't think she had this season in her - glad for once to be wrong... I would've voted for Agnes but she wasn't an option.