My final choice of position was determined by the music - I liked the music the US used more than that of Canada. In terms of pure fireworks, both displays were exceptional, but in different ways and it is hard to chose between them. The US had the dramatic colour changes and some other interesting effects, but didn't use the lake much. Canada used the lake well but didn't quite have the dynamic range that the US had - so there is really nothing to chose between them. As I always say in my final summary, my musical preferences are different to others and so that is what determined the final order for me.
As for Spain, you're quite correct. They are absolute masters of the art of pyrotechnics and are tying with the US for the most number of Gold Jupiters. For individual companies, Pirotécnia Caballer have won the most Jupiters. You may well end up surprised and pleased next year, that's all I can say
For technical difficulties in a display, unfortunately these cannot be discounted by the jury. It is simply the truth that "everything has to be alright on the night". A theoretical performance is not enough - I know it sounds harsh, but that is how it has to be. Take the case of China in 1998 - it was a fabulous display with an excellent theme and would, in my opinion, have won Gold if it hadn't have been for the technical problems.
For sure it's going to be an interesting and probably contentious result tomorrow. There's no way that the six deserving displays can all win and, as I've said, I'm sure the final result will be dictated by the music as much as anything else, since, pyrotechnically, all the displays were very close in terms of quality. What a great year!
Paul.