I originally was going to talk about the Japanese (& Russian) culture as well, but then I looked at my own American culture and realized how much it has in common with Japan, as far as "saving face". In fact I recall a Russian poster saying once (think it was in regards to Alexei Urmanov's bluntness regarding Rachael Flatt's weight on another board) that Americans are looked at as fake, not saying what they really mean. Whereas Russians tell it like it is, no holding back, no matter how much it might hurt others.
I see their point, especially in regards to our politicians, but imho that goes for ALL politicians, not just Americans, which is why I've never trusted one politician in my life, they're all the same deep down inside where it really counts (power corrupts!). Politics knows no culture, gender, race, creed, color, nationality, et al, it doesn't discriminate, it's like one big cancerous entity. Which is why I don't belong to any one party (p.
Back on topic, my point being we can't discriminate based on culture alone, I'm sure for every Mr. Sato there is a Machiko Yamada. Just like here in the US, or Russia, et al. Same goes for skaters, for every Maria Butyrskaya there is a Ekaterian Goordeeva, and so on. And the same goes for posters as well, for every honest poster that gives their real name, et al, there are dozens more that give pseudonyms and are not honest.
It's up to the individual, regardless of culture, creed, gender, age, nationality, etc., to be what they will be, whether it be to coach a certain way, skate a certain way, or express themselves in a certain way.
Now I've really gone off-topic, sheesh!
But I hope my point was made - culture has nothing to do with it.
As regards the title/topic of this thread, I would have to pick Priscilla Hill as one my favorite coaches. Why? Because she seems so nice and friendly, judging by Johnny Weir's documentary, and his own words as well.
Likewise, I wish Lucinda Ruh would have named the Chinese coach that she called "guru" and whom she said did more for her than all her time spent in Japan. Said coach seemed so wise, nice, and kind. This is the kind of coach I would choose, therefore he too goes at the very top of my list.
I know to expect a book in the vein of Lucinda Ruh, meaning totally honest, straight forward, the truth. 
