Larkin was only missing a triple lutz.... and had a solid triple flip. So what? Chartrand had huge issues with the flip... let's say she takes that one out, she still needs her lutz, which used to be her money jump. Yuna taking a loop jump but having great flip and lutz jumps is another story.I strongly disagree. Look at it this way. Even Yuna, who was pretty much competent with all the triples (sans triple Axel) took her triple loop out when she knew that she would probably not have great luck with it.
Same with Katarina Witt at 1988 Olympics LP and to a point, similar with Hanyu at CoC 2014 when he had to re-strategise his whole program.
As much as we try to paint a picture of skaters or athletes aiming and needing to give it their all, personally I think understating the need for strategic/tactical approach overlooks how important that aspect is, being just as important if not more.
And yes, I still feel if she had done those lower level triples clean and gone clean, Larkyn did not have much in her arsenal to challenge that.
The point I was making here is that Alaine was a former Canadian champion. She wanted to go to the games and be part of the team event. Finishing third was NOT the objective here.