The fact that Donahue PR'd this year suggests that her decision to leave John wasn't all that bad.
One CAN say that John is a genius, a great coach, etc and still say that Erin made the right choice for her. The 2 statement's don't need to be mutually exclusive.
As far as Shalane is concerned. Can't see how Jerry will be any worse for her in the long run. It will take a year for things to fall into place with the Schumacher crew. But I would bet my money that she will PR and take down more American records in her career. And I will say again when that happens that her leaving Cook takes nothing away from his coaching.
I hope all 3 succeed. Between Rowbury, Wurth-Thomas, Willard, Barringer, Vessey, KGoucher, Flannagan, Teg, Solinsky, Rupp, Ritz, Webb, Symmonds, and Hall, we have an unbelievable core of men and women distance runners. Throw in talented veterans Lagat, Meb and Abdi, and still a lot of upside for Lomong and Manzano, and thee future is bright.
Add back in a healthy Lincoln and a steepling Fam and the US team will be as strong in 2012 as it has ever been.
This doesn't even include the really young guys like Puskedra, Derrick, Fernandez and Jager