Who I feel bad for the most: Trennt/Evelyn, Camille/Drew and Julianne Séguin
I feel bad for the aforementioned pairs because Skate Canada has the tendency to gloss over budding pairs and rely on the old guard. BUT it's a sport after all, and there are no guaranteed spots. I hope this news actually fire all of them up and improve. I just feel bad for Julianne because I think she's the one that truly deserved a career revival.
Who I feel ambivalent towards: Vanessa
Vanessa and her silence toward the Cipres situation. I would love to know how Skate Canada will spin her story for the OG if the pairing decides to go for it. Great for the racial diversity aspect that they're trying to advocate for but they will not be able to escape the reason why she had to end her career in the first place. I wonder if they will actually force her to speak up on it.
Who I feel like should keep quiet: Kirsten
I didn't forget how you dealt with Moscovitch. You're still the top Canadian pair regardless of the merits of Vanessa and Eric. You don't need to be all huffy about it.
Who I have empathy for but with ambivalence: Meagan
I empathize with Meagan for losing a source of income, especially in C-19 times. I'd be more supportive of Meagan if she didn't air out her thoughts about migrant workers and her terrible generalizations about Anna's skating and her physique. That was a no, girl.
Who I feel excited for but with ambivalence: Eric
I liked Eric's skating a lot when he competed. I'm happy that he's feeling better because the last few years of his active career was marred with injuries. He really should've picked Julianne (or anyone else not Vanessa) instead. Choosing Vanessa was a poor choice plus it looks terrible on his position as an ISU Athlete Representative. (Is he still one?)
Main takeaway:
This drama could have been avoided if he talked to Meagan properly in the first place. And picked a better partner.
While I empathize with Meagan, I feel there's not enough of a binding obligation that make this Charlie Bilodeau (or 2014 Nikita) - level bad of a betrayal. I think I would be more upset if they were competing but both of them amicably retired together in 2018. Sure, losing a trusted partner for ice shows sucks but we don't even know when ice shows can come back on in Canada. Furthermore, I think Eric took account that Meagan also now has a baby to take care of and now lives in a different province. That might be why he opted for a different partner too.
I will reluctantly say that I'm #teamEric in this drama despite of his lack of miscommunication and partner choice. Because in hindsight, there's nothing really stopping him from competing and coming back with someone else. Again, he really should've chosen someone else because that is where the biggest criticism is coming from. Plus, if this pairing does come into effect, Eric/Vanessa has to clarify their competitive stance and be realistic with their goals. It's too late for them to campaign for Beijing despite of their previous accolades and individual skills. (Don't even try to prop them up, Skate Canada. I'm watching you.) If it is to gain new experience and expand their artistic horizons, then that's cool. If they are truly trying to aim of an OG spot though....well I guess I'm here for the drama and the pettiness that will ensue.
Anyway, Meagan should compete for that 2nd Ladies OG spot. Let's be real, she has a higher chance of getting an OG berth than Eric/Vanessa. She has all of her triples and a 3-2 combo will suffice enough to get into the LP event. I wish I was joking about this but I'm not.
edit: for a bit of clarity