That kind of makes my point about the Shootoout vs what it appeared to be in the video. The Freestyle wasnt a part of the competition, it was a seperate event like it is done at all IMAC contests. This years shootout was also the same. Most top pilots dont put much into the freestyle and when it doesnt matter at all as part of the primary competition put even less into it.
Events like the TOC and the Don Lowe Masters have Freestyle as part of the total score so it does matter, even though there its still only 10% to 15% of the total score. For tose events freestyle has to be flown so more time will be put into preparing for it and doing a good job.
At the Shootoout though, its not the case. Personally I had more fun at this past Shootout just watching it and not flying in it.