I see the friendly rivalry between Yuzuru and Javier as more of an exception than the norm. Typically, training with a strong rival leads to tension and does not last in the long term. There is a reason why traditionally a coach trained only one top skater for each discipline. The Russians were known for their elite training camps. Mishin trained several top men in the late 90s but we all know how the situation with Yagudin and Plushenko turned out. Eteri is the modern equivalent but skaters like Evgenia and now Trusova left due to internal competition. Not to mention Yulia and others before. Hamada trained all the top Japanese female skaters at one time, but gradually each decided to leave. Marin Honda was the first. The tension is not as great at TCC but it also depends on the skaters. Some skaters thrive with constant competition but others don't. Also, you don't even have to be competing for no.1 to have tension in training. For example, the strange situation with Eunsoo Lee and Mariah Bell, which ended with one skater leaving the camp. I hope things work out well for Evgenia and Rika but I think it is reasonable to have questions and doubts about the changes.
On training top athletes, Kaori Sakamoto & Mai Mihara has had the same coach for years. When Mai couldnt train due to illness, Kaori said she missed Mai.
Hamada's situation was after Nobu Oda started the court case on allegations of abuse. After that, Satoko left for Canada. Now is Rika. Young You joined in with Hamada last year I think.
Marin Honda to me did not seem to be favoured by Hamada. Marin to Hamada did not work hard enough, by Hamada's standards.
So, in Hamada's case, tongues are wagging that perhaps she did pull her students hair, shout at them, etc as alleged in the court case.
Eun Soo & Mariah Bell, yeah I know. I blame Eun Soo's agency, their way of dealing with things too confrontational. From Yuna Kim to Dennis Ten & Yuzuru situation. Word is Orser was approached 1st, he said no. Then Eun Soo went to Rafael.
This is the reason why I said in earlier post, Orser & Tracy Wilson choose carefully the type of personalities to take in for team harmony. There is no 2 characters who are both very driven, outspoken, bad tempered type - Plushenko & Yagudin will happen.
My view is these days all the established, famous coaches have more than 1 top skater for each discpline, so its unavoidable situation.
We just have to wait & see next season. If tension boils up, I trust Orser & Tracy Wilson will be able to deal with it, they have the experience.