But that was because 1-2-4 were not age eligible (Nagasu, Flatt, Zhang); so the US sent 3rd (Wagner), 5th (Liang), and actually I believe WERE going to send 6th (Hacker) but she declined, so the spot went to 7th (Meissner).
That's not how I remember it. I recall that Meissner was chosen over Hacker--a no brainer, really, since Kimmie was a former WC. Here's what Wikipedia (I know, I know) says:
"At the 2008 U.S. Championships, she (Hacker) placed 6th, and was the third-highest-placing Worlds-age-eligible skater. Hacker was not selected for the World Championships in favor of former World Champion Kimmie Meissner,[4] but was selected to compete and made her senior international debut at the 2008 Four Continents, where she was the top finisher among the American ladies.
Ice Network said, "With their gold and silver medalists unavailable, the committee named bronze medalist Ashley Wagner; fifth-place finisher Bebe Liang; and 2006 world champion Kimberly Meissner, who placed a devastating seventh in Saint Paul, to the 2008 world team," and quoted Ron Hershberger, Pres. of USFS as saying, "That's the best team we can have for this year."