they can still go for team gold... i wouldn't think that they would drop out if they place anywhere on the podium at WC.... building block year is correct... but they probably have a plan to bring things gradually and improve to be more competitive by next year.
Just wondering about Tessa and Scott! I know this is a building year towards the Olympics but can't help but wonder if they may rethink things if they do not place well at this year's worlds. I mean if they are not close to P/C and the judges therefore make it clear that P/C are the top dance team at this moment do you think they will stay in knowing they have little chance at a Gold Medal. I mean look at the year leading up to the last Olympics - the judges made it clear that no matter what D/W were going to win. Even when D/W made mistakes in their programs they were not dinged as harshly as V/M. And so far the same thing is happening with P/C - they are not dinged as harshly when they make errors.
There is also the possibility that V/M may not even medal at worlds this year - and in that case you really have to wonder if they will keep going just for the thrill of competing in another Olympics.