It could be so at other season, not pre-Olympic.That's why Doris said he's a late bloomer. Late bloomer, in essence, means that the results didn't come by right away. I think what the Fed could have done for him was send him to Euros as Russia No. 3
One place at Worlds - need to send to Worlds Man, who has best chance to earn 2 places for Olympics.
They sent Kovtun to Euro - he was the best at Euro of Russians and won Voronov who was much higher in score at Nationals than both Menshov and Kovtun.
So to send Kovtun to Euro was not a mistake.
And to send Kovtun to Worlds also does not look as mistake.
Menshov, being higher than Gachinsky at National, was lower him at Euro. Gachinsky had medal at Worlds - so to send Gachinsky to Worlds was not a mistake.
Now situation is about the same. Interests of team preval.