Amped wrote:amazing how 9th gen quickly learned to talk without the other members help.
I think Up-Front has learned from some of the mistakes they made after 4th gen. Basically, they sidelined the gokkies and rokkies during their formative periods, which made them nice little obedient junors, but sucked as far as their being idols and talents. Then Koharu came along and was like "eff that, I'm here to make some noise, y'all," and despite seemingly bruising a few egos, she was the biggest success MM had had in years. Seems like they kind of let Mitsui do her own thing and as a result, she sort of reverted back to the meek mold. So now, I think they realize they have to push the girls out there early and not give them a chance to withdraw into a cocoon. They simply can't afford to have free riders any more.