Well, this season I felt they became very tried for the end of their programs. I think if they train as their coach wants they will be able to reach the Olympic team.
I hope R&T and I&K will represent Russia in Sochi.
Who do you think the third spot (knock on wood) should go to, B/S or an upcoming junior team?
Way too early to speculate for Sochi, in ice dancing, especially in Russia. There could be even team splits, partner changes, and one team or other leaving the rest behind for a bit, then to come back and regain their spot.
You have to realize that since COP there is no such thing like carved in stone hierarchy. Of couirse there are skills and chemistry, but a good program and performance could change things in a hurry.
These teams are still very young and work in progress. All of them. Russia has no veterans at all, even Bobrova / Soloviev who have been around since 2008 in seniors are still young as well.
I really like them and I hope they have a good season. I prefer them to B&S and I&K, actually. This is a bit off topic, but I heard on FSU that Fedor Andreev is injured and not training.