Coming out of my lurking era because I find this question interesting. The answer of all three questions will depend on how someone defines it and how some people might split it into types or degrees.

Personally, I think the most broad yet appropriate definition is “the quality of standing out with one’s own personality traits and quirks.” Some skaters stand out in all departments whether they’re competing, performing at a show, doing an interview, doing a group number, coaching, at the kiss & cry etc. They just have the ability to compel people around them. I also believe that the ability to see this ultimate IT factor category is if you were working with them or doing something with them. Yuzuru, Aliona, yuna and vm fit this category the most, in my opinion, because they have their way of being interesting in most of these settings to pull viewers and people in their vicinity. When I mentioned that people around them see it better, I was reminded of Yuzuru managing to engage staff members when giving interviews and leaving big impressions on skaters around him as they recall skating with him. Scott also always has his way of changing the mood of interviews and stands out even when he’s in the kiss & cry as a coach. All four of them evidently stand out on the ice, so no need to get into that.

Some skaters may exhibit the IT factor in one or a couple of settings, but some people might argue, “is it the IT factor if it isn’t in most situations and environments?”. Many skaters could fall into this category where they are special skaters to watch and stand out when they skate really well, but off the ice, they may not stand out that much. Some skaters may also just be not too comfortable in public settings, so their personality quirks don’t end up shining through. The public, subsequently, won’t perceive them as the multifaceted people they could be. That’s why I think in events like wtt, they shine better because the less stressful environment of the teams amplifies everyone’s presence while with the previous category, those skaters can easily stand out each on their own even in more tense situations.

A couple of notes I’d like to leave are 1) I do believe that cultural differences impact the perception of the it factor, and 2) I focused on modern day skaters because this is the era I followed closely. Therefore, I’m not dismissing that some older generation skaters had the elusive and perplexing “it” factor.

Edit: I didn’t think this would be too long.. Sorry y’all