There's been a lot of strongly-worded posts about Hall's DNF in L.A. There's a lot of disappointed fans (me included) who feel let down by the "Hall is running a race!!"-hype only to watch him crash and burn - as usual, by his going-out-way-too-fast craziness, which is difficult to watch since most of us have learned that hard way not to do that in our own races.
Then there are the "Hall-apologists": "Hey, leave the guy alone. He's doing his best. He's run 5 great races, what do you want?"
But the thing is that Ryan Hall, above most any other American runner, commands a lot of attention - and indeed, makes his living off his image as "America's Great (caucasian) Hope". When Hall (or his handlers?) decides to run a race, that brings a lot of prestige and attention to the race, so when he bombs, people shouldn't be surprised that there's a lot of disappointment (and, unfortunately, ridicule) regarding his performance. If you're going to hype something, it's best to come through with it.
Above all, I think Hall's American fans are exasperated by his not being able to get it together. Hence, the comments about his religious extremes. Is this the way a God-based athlete performs? Better to find an atheist with some potential. He seems to lack even the most basic race tactics Surely he should've learned something by watching Meb's successes. When he storms to the front in Boston and sets a wicked pace, it doesn't say "Confidence" to me; it says "Ego", which sets him up to fall behind when the racing starts in the hills. Same with his over-celebrating when he won the OT. It didn't look like honoring God to me, it looked live honoring his ego. Harsh, I know, but I think it's true. Humbleness is much more attractive.
I think Hall is trying his best to come through; probably over-doing it, if anything. He must be really disappointed about L.A. I think he really needs some help, in terms of good coaching, and also, perhaps, some humbleness that he hasn't been able to do it on his own.
Maybe there's enough time for him to make a long, slow recovery to get ready for next years OT. But I think he needs to turn over his training to someone who can get him there (and I don't mean God).
Good luck, Ryan.