I think the Shibs are in a position very similar to D/W in their second year at the senior level. D/W came in and placed an amazing (at the time) 7th at the 2007 worlds in their senior debut but the very next year in their first competition (Skate America) they were passed by teams they had beaten in the previous year's worlds and didn't even medal at that GP. They fought back all year long and finally managed to hold their standing against Pechalat and Bourzat and the Kerrs but were surpassed by Khok/Novitski at Worlds in 2008. They really stepped up the ante the following year in 2009 to become one of the undeniable forerunners but it took that growing year in 2008 to learn what mature skating and competitive skating at that level was all about. I think this is one of those years for the Shibs. They're going to lose their placing against some of the teams they beat last year because they're still growing and vulnerable but if they really hold steady and fight and learn through this cycle. They can surge ahead again when it counts. But they're gonna have to work for it. The SD I saw last night was sharper than Finlandia - stronger and cleaner in their lines and presence than D/W were at their age. But they're going to need to learn to cover the ice and take command of the arena and that's a special kind of presentation that will only come with practice and age. I think they'll get there. They're already way ahead of where D/W were at the same age. They may not win this GP but they're not done yet.
Good thoughts. And I think the one thing the Shibs have going for them is that they have had a long and solid partnership. They have been together since the spring of 2004, when Maia was 10 and Alex was 13. They have gone through growth spurts (particularly Maia), a difficult final junior season (finishing out of medals at JW) and many other transitions. I think everyone forgets that while they're young -- they have been together for 7 years. That's a relatively solid period of time.
Maia and Alex definitely were not happy with that SD, so I'd expect them to train while they're abroad and try to work on getting those levels up for NHK.