So well, I just got flooded by memories...:
I confess, I am 54 years old, and grew up watching fs with my mother in the 1970´s. In german, compulsory figures were called "duty", and the free programme was called "free". Ok.
So I watched it all on german television, even the "duty", which I found mostly boring, but sometimes fascinating. It was understood, then, in Germany, that whoever was not able to perform the correct "duty" was not a good figure skater.
Some skaters, pairs, etc, were able to infuse some artistry even into "duty", wow. It was, sometimes, strangely fascinating.
Later, I watched only sporadically, you know, live happend: work, relationships, death of familiy, less tv - time in Germany for fs..but sometimes I watched.
And then, by chance, I watched Yuzuru Hanyu Worlds 2012. I was: "What is this?" "Who is this?" "Intense!", "the best!". "What is going on in figure skating???" " I need to follow this skater".
So since then, I tried to understand there is no more "duty", but a short programme, which is everything as taxing and remanding as the free, and try to grasp goe, etc...And I went to Helsinki - because I had to see him once in my lifetime life, and am planning to go to Milan. Yes.
I remember the words of B. Orser, that his "pupils" have to learn the basics. And I think "duty" has not vanished, the skaters all have to know their basics, but we, the spectators are not forced any more to watch it on tv....thank God.
I love watching Yuzu stroking for example - but as a "must"? I fear, in former days, the "duty" killed much creative spirit.
Good, that times have changed...
Greetings and thanks to all ,
raebia