Gifted 4th in 08, as much as he was (admittedly) ripped by 5th in 07.
Very weak outing in 08 in comparison to 07. 'Improvement' only in a momentum -laced gifted placing, not in physique (by a long way).
Working with Nicolls indicates he is even more thick than he sounds.
here's the problem as I see it...
A promising young pro bber shows up looking unreal for a few years, and gets jobbed with the ole "pay your dues" bullshit.
Now as an "Established" pro, he wins the shows but doesn't look as good as he used to when he was fresh.
there are exceptions of course but this is what happens to a lot of guys