I will never understand how people could bash Sotnikova. It's not like she was a flash in the Pan. Sarah Hughes had zero national titles and 1 world medal, a bronze. I don't hear people bashing her.
Sarah also had to face Michelle and Sasha every year at Nationals while Sotnikova won her early Russian titles against terrible competition. Even Michelle was good as she was didn't win her first US title at 12 like Adelina did which should tell you about the Russian ladies back then.