The argument here is that Vincent's PCS is not nearly close to what Zagi get considering their similar background in junior rank.
Zagi has the highest PCS of this COC with about 2 points lead in TES. According to COC fan live report, ALL said Wakaba's performance is much better than Zagi, actually some other girls too.
Yet Vincent's PCS is 75, ranked 7th in the filed, with 6 point lead in TES. And from Chinese live report, they has mentioned Vincent's performance along side with Javi and Han Yan as the most impressive.
I just propose a huge difference here.
What was impressive to them about the performance?
While the audience reaction certainly has been an influence to PCS scores; there's plenty an audience favorite who still don't fufill the judges expectations to get certain scores.
I don't necessarily agree with this, but Alina'a program is packed with a lot of transitions and other things that boost certain aspects of PCS. And it's worth mentioning that it, other than a UR 3Z, was clean.
This speak to my point earlier. Jason know he can't boost his BV to super high levels, which is why he goes for cohesive and clean programs that get the judges attention. His programs are designed to display of a lot of good basic clean skating and to play up his performance ability. I suppose one could argue he should give some of that up to work more on the quad, but they know they have more to gain in the score by trying to keep what makes him stands out.
I think Vincent is trying to improve on this area too, but it's kinda tough with 5 quads. Also the program was not clean, which can take away from the PCS. Again, ambition is good, but you got to be stratgeic too. Like you, I'm not sure, just giving my gusses.
Alina's free skate, however annoying some may find it, is done in a way where she dazzles. And skates it mostly clean on a consistent basic.
And yes reputation plays into it. I won't deny that either. Vincent's scores should go up over the course of the season.
Also, all this is to not take away what he has done. He did pull off a 4Z-3t in both programs. That's really good. He did some other quads too. That's also good. He had a strong GP debut with an2nd place FS. My main thing is that I can see that he still has scoring holes he needs to resolve to have a better shot at getting one of those Olympic spots and to make waves in the men's field.