i think the thing people need to realize about webb is that he's super talented - likely moreso than any other mid distance specialist (defining that as mile to 5K) we've had in a long while. we need to remember that any truly elite miler should be very, very capable of running a fast 5K. likely a 5K comparable to his mile time. it's called range. look at what el g and lagat do at that distance. simply because they are capable of running a fast 5K doesn't mean they should quit the mile, in part because he can (and likely will) move up to the 5K for 2012 or otherwise later in his career.
he will excel at both distances, perhaps equally so. pre was stupid for thinking he was a miler because he lacked speed; i don't think that's a good comparison. webb has the requisite speed to be a miler and should stick to that distance for now.