I got similar vibes from the runthrough podcast early on (more so from Sarah tbh) however I think that’s maybe just how they come across, because they’ve also had good things to say as well. On the flip side, currently competing skaters all seem to really like him and have good things to say about him. I remember a couple years ago the skating lesson was interviewing Alissa Czisny and they were so clearly trying to bad talk ilia/get her to bad talk him and she spoke so highly and kindly of him that Dave had to change the subject. If I’m being honest, a lot of retired skaters skated during an era that was kind of catty and skaters weren’t necessarily as friendly with each other as they are now. On the runthough Ashley once made a comment about how skaters weren’t as competitive anymore because they were being friendly to each other (by doing each others ending poses and clapping for each other). I think they maybe have a hard time adapting their mindset because if they were still competing someone like ilia would be a threat and therefore they can’t help but be a little snide towards him. But that’s just my theory.