If Evan is playing a game, then a big part of that game would be getting as many men on the world team as possible, wouldnt it? So THEY can get as many men on the world team that would determine how many US guys go to Sochi.
He is not doing that and could have shot himself in the foot, just as Rach maybe shot herself in the foot by not pulling at last worlds and letting Mirai have a chance at getting us three spots. If Rach comes in third at Nats, then she will have cut her own throat. If Evan L. comes back after two years off and skates at world class podium level, he would be one of the greatest skaters ever....
You misunderstand me, but then again I should have been more clean.
Let me elucidate:
As regards all three (aka Plushenko, Lysacek, Joubert), they're saving their best for last, meaning they want to compete at the 2014 Olympics, and in order to do so they need to keep their respective bodies healthy & intact, and that means maintaining injuries and working at their own pace. And most importantly it does not mean competing in extraneous competitions, such as the GPs. No, only Nationals, Euros (for Zhenya & Joubert) and Worlds. That's what I mean when I say they are
playing the game. Same as Sonja. After a certain age she no longer competed at her own Nationals, as to save her body for the Big Three (btw same goes for Yuna Kim, who never competed at her Nationals after 2006). Wise, very wise in the long run, especially if one wishes to maintain longevity in such a demanding sport.
And now I should add that the USFSA is "playing the game" as well (but in a different way), if rumours are to be believed, and I wouldn't doubt them, as the same exact thing went on in Sonja Henie's day.

Yep, avarice rears it ugly head. In Sonja's day, the ISF wanted a share of the "appearance fee" money she was getting for skating in exhibitions. And it seems the same thing is being asked of Evan. But who knows?

Unlike Sonja, Evan needs to grow a pair of cajones and address the issue head-on.
Now, I'm bored, and will say toodle-oo, carry on!
