I've had a thought- hear me out on this one.
What if CEA/CA aren't choreographing for the FRONT row spectators, but the BACK?
Think about the last time any of you have gone to see a Broadway show or even school play. Ever notice that if you sit really close to the front of the house it seems a little over-the-top, but if you sit towards the back everything seems normal? Actors are taught to act 'to the back of the house' (or auditorium/theater). We're getting TONS of close-up video, but most spectators don't consistently get that close unless they're friends and family. Additionally, from what I'm seeing, most judges are at least 10 ft away and elevated a bit (at least, at all the bigger nationals). I know at Worlds, the judges are pretty far back from what people have said on here. Why NOT get that extra intricate formations score when you can? Gotta take points wherever, why not hit them in something so easily taken for granted? Plus this way, no matter WHERE you sit, you're getting a good show..