Nope, I usually would read, but I haven’t been able to free to the time for the 4-8 previews and recaps around championship season.
I still think her 4:38 is impressive, but the reason may be the same as you stated. The depth of women’s running is sparse. On the other hand, you could argue that collegiate men are just as weak as collegiate women. Mo Farrah and Bekele have consistently closed in sub 4 at championships. Obviously the represent THE top tier, but still, 4:09 is a far cry away from 4:00 and speaks poorly for the top end talents in the NCAA.
The next question we ask should be, how would these athletes due in peak fitness against the best USA runners. Ches has answered that question in the past and the answer is “he couldn’t hold a candle to them.”
I guess the NCAA system is meant to be observed in isolation rather than openly. I mean, Isaiah Harris has been SIGNIFICANTLY more successful when racing and competing with pros opposed to competing against collegiates. Donavan Brazier on the other hand is the complete opposite(arguably).
The final question should be, how would the best athletes have performed and developed in these conditions? Would Usain Bolt have ever ran the 100 and would Mo Farah have ever become a champ?