Yeah, not sure why Buyanova is limiting Maria in this way. She should be packaged to win like Eteri's girls are, with more artistically interesting programs. Maria should be the obvious choice for Russia's #3 this year, but I think her snoozy programs mean that Elena Radionova has an edge over her, even if Maria's overall quality is better this season.
I don't know, maybe because that was her style when she competed 40 years ago.
It's interesting to see that she hasn't touched Maria's 2A technique yet, she was known for her huge 2a (Adelina has inherited it).