Junior and Senior programs are very similar - in Seniors only ChSq is added. And good Russian Junior Ladies all compete both as Juniors and Seniors without any problems. Trusova won 2nd place at Senior competition being 12 to earn Master of Sports title.There aren't (or at least there weren't) age limits, but Alysa does NOT need to rush. I look at her and I desperately want her to have time to develop as a skate, not be pushed to senior to compete there for a few years before she can do anything international.
I'm tired of watching skaters show up at the international level and peak at age 15 and then go down hill. Medvedeva is the only Russian who's been able to hold a "peak" so far. In the meantime, skaters like Lipnitskaya, Radianova and Tutimysheva (sp) have one good year and they are done.
Figure skating should NOT be the race to the top that gymnastics is.
Alysa is good enough to compete as Senior at US Championships and to pretend to medal. Why can't she do so? I don't see reason.
About the age. USA has only one really mature Lady - Wagner born at 1991, Russia has Leonova born at 1990. The eldest Japanese high level skater Miyahara born at 1998. Leonova this season has Season Best 7 points higher than Wagner, their levels are close. Most of strongest skaters are much younger than Wagner and Leonova. It is life - it is so no matter do we like it or not.
Btw Kostner born at 1987 is hugely overscored, her real level is close to Leonova.