It's hard for me to critique them. They definitely have the goods to win gold but it's in their performane that keeps them from that dream.
Purely hypothetical, if we can assume that there is no problem with the Tech, then they are at the level of their of the Pairs from Germany, and China, although these teams have been around so much longer and are also looking for gold at the Olys.
As to performance, they lack what Mukhortova and Trankov have. (comparatively a new team in seniors, too) They have not shown any lyrical know-how except in spotty sections of Westside Story. The other Russian team are, imo are, a mismatch but the carry their coach's name, and there is nothing that M/B can do about that.
Their Malaguena (a description of a lady from Malaga) is deidedly Spanish and showing some Spanish poses during the whole routine would help it a lot. If they could get Lambiel to give them some pointers on that,wow! Yet despite the colorful spanish costumes, Pang and Tong did not skate any spanish movements in their routine. But they are always a top team, and difficult o surpass.
After LA, Mcl/Bru will still have a lot to consider to medal. After Olys, they should be numero uno. But who knows? in figure skating.
