I wouldn't go so far as to say equal. I do think that Mao's power here was better than I've ever seen before and she was honestly a little lowballed in PCS for me, I would have had Mao higher in IN and PE, equal in CH and a bit lower in TR and SS than Caro. But I do think her speed doesn't quite equal Carolina's.
This short event was amazing! That being said I think the following skaters were screwed:
1. Mao Asada- She skated flawlessly, I think the judges were on the right track, but she deserved higher PCS and GOE on her steps; they gain speed to reflect the music, I think that's incredible.
2. Akiko Suzuki- What the ****?!!! Lower PCS than Lipnitskaya??? No, just no.
3. Kaetlyn Osmond- Lower PCS than Gracie and Julia and equal in PCS to Anna? With those transitions and performance skills I don't agree.
4. Kanako Murakami- The judges need to leave her alone, the 3T may have been slightly UR if you're going to be harsh but her 3F was totally fine. Goodbye reputation.