I don't disagree with the Olympic team selection in 2014, but Mirai had a bronze from the 2013 Rostelecom Cup, so I don't think you can say that she did poorly at both grand prix events that season. Not a high score, but scores weren't as inflated back then either. I agree that Polina making the junior grand prix final probably counted a lot towards her rep.
In 2013, a skater could do 3 GPs. In Mirai's other two eventa, she placed 8th & 10th. Yes, I should have said "two of three" instead of "both."