I think the time has come that we as fans need to accept Jason as a true contender and with that comes hype and predictions and expectations. I also think Jason needs to get used to it as well. He has to learn how to be a favorite eventually and I think we are there. He can't remain the underdog forever. To me we are not seeing hype, we are seeing acknowledgement that he is good enough.
He enters NHK with the highest season score of anyone there including Hanyu. He *should* be able to make the final and he needs to learn do deal with that *should* pressure in order to make it to the next level. So I don't mind the hype and predictions. I think the time has come for Jason to shine. People have been saying for years "When Jason gets a quad he will be a real threat" and we are just seeing that. Even if others are doing more quads - it is very clear that the judges are rewarding what he is doing. This to me was all part of the plan and goal. This is just the new world we are living in...we all need to get used to it. I don't think we as fans should be timid in our support.
Beyond score. I do think Jason likely has the highest reputation advantage in Japan after Hanyu. He is known enough that he has a character based on him in Yuri on Ice...none of the other men do. When Wakaba was training at 7K and being interviewed, the clip included a mention of Jason - they did not have to do that, but that they did is likely because Jason is known to their audience and of interest to them. Also this ad has been floating around for a bit.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CxbYqLlUoAACx2p.jpg
Jason is the only person on that ad without a world medal. But he was who they picked to use. And they put him on top center in a stare down with Hanyu. In short... I don't think Jason is a nobody in Japan.
I do think we will see a 4S attempt if he is in a good position after the short - i.e. top three with at least a couple points above pewter. Though we could see two 4T attempts in the free. If he nails the 4T+3T in the short, i have to wonder when/if two 4Ts will appear in the free. I really wonder what their long term plans/goals are for the quads and layout.