I went to a local competition yesterday to watch the adults skate. I wanted to see what it was like just in case I want to compete. I noticed that there wasn't that much difference between the bronze, silver & gold skaters as far as skating skills are concerned. There was one gold skater that could do an axel, but her other skills were not that good. Another lady in the gold skate could hardly do an axel or any other jump. It got me wondering how in the heck she could of passed her gold free skate test? Half of the silver ladies seemed like they should be skating pre-bronze or bronze. Why is there not more difference in skating skills among the levels? Is this the way it is at adult nationals?