His program isn't calling for elegance (although I think he is quite elegant nevertheless). Javier's Black Betty SP and Hanyu's Let's Get Crazy SP aren't exactly "elegant" either -- the music lends itself to a program that is edgy and entertaining, not flowy and pretty. You want elegant and refined -- well, watch his FS when his music calls for that.
As for saying he's not competitive with the top men who have quads... well, his qualifying for the GPF (with 2 GP silvers) -- say otherwise. He's also beaten skaters like Jin, Chen, Voronov, Uno, Aaron who are all highly competitive quadsters, on the basis of his overall quality of skating. He has excellent spins, and his performance/projection/confidence is practically unmatched. Only he can pull off the programs he does because you need to have a certain level of attitude and commitment and panache/personality - which 99% of the men don't have. And yes, that's why it works for Ashley as well - most of the ladies don't have her sass and confidence which is something that is a crowd pleaser and distinguishes her from skaters who are trying to fit the mold of pretty elegant/refined/ice princess/ballerina/etc. types.
Adam's SP is a perfect example of a skater embracing who he is, instead of trying to pander to the judges. Of course some people don't understand it, because they don't understand him... which is totally fine. But asking him to be something he's not, or holding it against him for being who he is, isn't exactly open-minded.
While not exactly technically so, I think he IS pushing the limits of the sport. A sport that says you have to skate classically, that says men can't do laybacks, and have to exude hypermasculinity, and you can't be a showman during competition.
even more that she's standing up for herself, with words, eloquent and on point. Way to go, Gracie. I really admire that she's present, cheering for her friends, and sharing herself via social media. This way she doesn't have to sink into regret at not competing herself. Brava, brave girl.
