About the construct and layout, I am sure the skaters decided on their own. It's true that DW couldn't decide which elements should be out in if the skaters don't want to.
However, it's true that his programs recently have been lackluster. DW's step sequences have been, admit it, very uninspiring. Comparing DW's step sequences to the ones the Russians do for their skaters, I think DW's step sequences have rather been empty and not enjoyable.
while I think R&J 2.0 isn't that great of a program I would say that the choreographic step sequence with the ina bauer high light is one of the best of the season... =) and regarding the first step sequence I would say it' more a question of stamina then everything else... if you see in some practice footage yuzuru practicing it it's usually much more energetic and charming, but in competition I think he tend to "save energy" before the remaining jumping passes