Okay something of relevance. Phil Hersh posted the following:
http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1rjpgtp
So many questions....what exactly did Ashley do for the Olympic programs that made Mills unhappy? Who is going to choreograph her programs now? Will she stick to only Mr. Nicks or get another coach to assist?
It sounds like Mills fired Ashley.
I think it's a shame. Mills really choreographed some unique programs for Ashley that she sold very well. Complex choreography and good transitions. I think he played a large role in her rise these past few seasons, and it's a huge setback for Ashley. I don't know what Ashley did, but at WTT, her performance was definitely a watered down version of what she did earlier in the season. There's bits of choreography and transitions throughout that are gone. I don't think it's a big deal since this is a post-season fluff competition, but maybe Mills was irritated that she did that, since he was there (and she probably didn't regret it).
I think that getting the right choreographer next season will be extremely critical for Ashley. As for the technical content, a lot of this talk reminds of the pressure that was on Michelle Kwan to up her content in the 2001-2002 season. Everyone complained if she didn't attempt the 3/3; and they complained that she never attempted two of them. Well, 2001 Skate Canada, they got their wish. Michelle upped her attempted content. It was a disaster.
I think Ashley attempts the most difficult content that she can handle given the pressure of competition, her complex choreography and transitions. I am doubtful that introducing the 3/3 in the SP early in the season or later in the season would matter much. She is just not as proficient with a backend 3T as others are. After all, as a junior, she attempted the 3F/3Lo jump.