Interesting thought ... While it sounds logical to me, I don't know if Joubert's consistency can be explained by it...
Interestingly, Joubert has 2 European and 1 World title so far whereas Lambiel has 2 World titles and and 1 olympic medal.
I think it explains why Joubert has been improving, and Lambiel has not been improving. Say whatever you will about Joubert, but Joubert is committed to being a champion. He's willing to do the work that is necessary, make the changes and sacrificies that is necessary. I remember he mentioned after 2006 that he realized he needed to change everything about his skating, because things weren't working, and he did.
Choosing not to do tons of galas, even though it cost him money, because he wanted to remain healthy, is just one the sacrifices Joubert is willing to make in order to be a champion. And I respect Joubert immensely for that. It makes it hard for me to feel sorry for someone like Sasha Cohen, who certainly had more of an IT quality, but was never willing to make the necessary sacrifices and changes.
And well the fact is while Lambiel has more world titles than Joubert right now, that could change. I think at this point Joubert is definetly the front runner for Olympic Gold. He has been in my mind before the recent retirements. He's much better under pressure than the other guys. And all he has to do is continue to improve artistically. I'm not sure about Daisuke, to be quite honest. I like Dai's skating, but I am not impressed with his strength under pressure. As for Oda, I think he's the dark horse.
In contrast, I think that after 2006, it was pretty clear that Lambiel's drive wasn't there so much.. And that's okay. But I think for awhile now Lambiel has had his foot in both doors. And something had to give.
I can't necessarily blame Lambiel though. He was never a consistent jumper.... And other people were consistently getting better too. I don't know even if he committed 100% that Olympic Gold would be his. I think he'll need a consistent triple axel. So Lambiel's drive not being there makes in someways sense to me. I'm not going to fault him for it. But I think Joubert has a point about all the galas.
. 
)
