We see this the same way, Matt. I like a great story, no matter who is writing it. The truth is that in about 75% of the matches I watch, I don't root for either player, just for great pool and for something memorable.
I'm intrigued by all the things you've mentioned, especially the Skyler angle. I'm just as curious about when the best young players will break through ---- Zielinski and Pehlivanovic have both won silver at a major, but are they ready to take the next step? Are young, promising players like Souto, Neuhausen, and several others ready for a deep run. Chua wowed us all at the WCOP --- is he ready to contend for a major title? I also wonder which of the 45+ players (Immonen, Souquet, Pagulayan, Feijen, Alcaide, Deuel, etc.) can make a deep run.
There is always somebody writing a story at the majors, and it's a joy to behold.
Will you be at the US Open in Atlantic City, Matt?
I did drop some of the low hanging fruit in terms of stories. Most of the players have a thread to follow when you get a sense of them. Even the next few tiers down.
I’ll get there one of these years. The wife booked us for Hawaii at Christmas so I’m trying to keep the finances tight so I can do Mosconi Cup again next year.