Mao didn't get the PCS she deserves (too low imo, and no way Kanako should be close to her), but she made many mistakes in both programs. Mao is no fool, she knows she has to work hard on her jumps because her artistry alone can't give enough to get a good score.
Why would she go to World, considering her results this whole season, compared to others who have delivered more and deserved what could be one chance in their career to participate to big competitions? (considering how big the JP lady field is...)
It's not unfair to Mao, it's just how things work in the different federations. She stays true to her word and and her decision to keep going next season, no matter if she succeed or not. She has the spirit of a fighter, she always did. And she will retire on her own term, just as planned.
It is very rare when I disagree with scoring enough to comment. But this is one of those times.
For reference:
Program components with explanations
Now, when I read the descriptions of what each PCS component is supposed to evaluate, and look at Mao's skating at Nationals - both SP and FS but especially the SP... and then look at the
competition scores/protocols...
I do think Mao's PCS scores are too low. Her programs are so difficult and sophisticated... her skating is so elegant and polished and controlled, with such variety of movement... highly distinctive and memorable transitions and choreography etc etc. I think she
amply demonstrates all the qualities listed in the above PCS reference PDF, and more so than any other skater at Nationals, except in some respects - Satoko. Certainly for Transitions, Choreography and Interpretation, I would therefore have expected a lot more 9's... I think the 8's are a bit mean... and the 7's are simply unfathomable.
Her jumps were not there of course... and that should be reflected in the
technical score. And it was. OK, I can understand if it also affects judges perception of Skating Skills and Performance/Execution... but I wouldn't expect by much, given her other qualities...?
Well. To be honest it doesn't concern me much. It was the technical score (jumps) more than anything that hurt Mao's scores. I think if she can return to full fitness, get her jumps (and confidence) back, and show some consistency, the judges will reward her well. Much like Kaetlyn Osmond's return to form this season.
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One thing that saddened more than the scoring, was my impression (!) that perhaps Mao might be a bit lonely at competitions? I repeat, it's only my impression - and perhaps I am overthinking or seeing things that aren't really there - but Mao
has said in interviews that she feels very aware of her age compared to the other skaters these days - she is one of the oldest skaters at competitions now... she doesn't know many of the younger skaters, and they don't talk to her much.
Well, many of the younger skaters are simply in awe of Mao, some of them started skating because they saw her on TV, it is their dream to skate with her on the same ice, etc... and I guess they are simply afraid to approach her? She is their unreachable, untouchable, idol?
I did notice she left quite quickly, alone, from the SP draw at nationals - while many of the other skaters stayed to chat to each other. One of the "fluff" pieces in the Fuji TV coverage of the gala focussed on a younger skater (Honoka Hirotani?), and showed footage of her secretly goggling at Mao but pretending not to... then after Mao had walked by and was gone, her expression changed to wide-eyed "OMG! DID YOU SEE?! THAT WAS MAO!". I just find it a
little bit sad when I see little things like that.
Well, I know she is loved by so many fans all over the world, and practically the whole of Japan. But I think of that as something "different"? Something less "personal"?
This is one of many reasons I am glad that Carolina Kostner has returned to competition. She is a good friend of Mao, similar generation, and she won an Olympic medal at about the age that Mao is now. Mao has said that Caro's comeback is an inspiration for her... and personally I am grateful to Kostner for providing such a comfort and encouragement to Mao, simply by
being there...
It’s good to know that she deserved that positive GOE. 
, too bad her season is over, but she looks motivated. I hope she keeps the FP for the next season.
