A giant leap forward is always like this. The mile has been the event most noticeable, maybe the 100m. 4:00 or 10.0.
Several people searching the right alchemy in training, drugs, technology etc.. start to approach the barrier together. Then there's a breakthrough and the flood gates open and the process starts over requiring time and advancements but most importantly, vision.
Im not sure 1:41 is close enough to the barrier with the group we have. The nature of 800 with too many is such that it could and has ended up like NASCAR hitting the wall. Fastest race out of lanes leaves very little room for error. Shortest distance, perfectly paced, no impedance, fast track, shoes, weather, supplements, motivation etc...so many things can go wrong. Too many front runners taking it out too hard, too many bangers getting impatient. CL strategically has the best chance. Stay on pace, off the back, close it up 600'-700 ease wide and let it rip.
You saw it for yourselves. This is how it's going to go down with this generation. Unless everyone tries it then it's a slow cluster. So, we need the Hoeys of the world to sacrifice like an idiot (he's been good at it all year for too many races) and let the guys with Efficiency and patience capitalize. No more than 8 in the field please. The DL races with 12 are a cluster.
CL has the finishing gear and is still finding/growing in his best opening pace. Give him time. He's been showing you since 9th grade state meet.
None of that still means we have critical mass for 1:39 yet. Just like 4:00 for women. Not enough knocking on the door and motivated to be first. It'll happen and maybe I'll be around to see it. Or not.