Well said, Tonto, although there is one point I would elaborate on.
Some fans do feel a personal connection with a skater that doesn't exist. Some fans feel a personal connection with a NFL player that doesn't exist. Twas ever thus. In skating, I think the tradition of gift giving is a charming one, as long as you know you are just throwing something on the ice for someone who just skated their heart out for you. Which is different than pretending to be their long lost best friend on Twitter.
I see another issue, and we have had it in the past, but for some reason seems more intense now: identification with a skater's group, with a skater's nationality, to the extent of bashing skaters who threaten that "group identity" that some fans have. It is completely a puzzlement to me. Do I feel a little stirring of pride when I hear the "Star Spangled Banner." Sure. But it's not why I like skaters.
I like skaters. From the US (after the this is the US ladies thread

) But also from Mexico, from Japan, from Latvia, from countries all over. I follow the skater, not the country, not the coach, not the training group. The *skater*.
And anyone who goes onto social media to tell a skater they don't like them, or who goes onto YouTube to give a thumbs down to a skater, needs to get a grip.
As you said, US Ladies have been dominant, and they have not been dominant. Nothing is forever, and it's a long road that has no turns. Why can't we just enjoy their skates?
/soapbox off