Lars,
You really can't go wrong there! I've pretty much agreed with all your points and facts.
I particularly agree on the finale perspective. Although it does not play a major role in the entire crafted display, it is a major part of influence. I'm not saying that is important or should be compared in order to distinguish a winner, but rather, it is important to the general audience in terms of entertainment and appreciation. I'm more than certain that the vast majority of people look foward to that part the most, this is from years of experience and it's psychological. Many people expect and want to be excited and screaming for it to go on.
In essence, a finale is also a big piece of work which gives everyone that OVERALL impression of the entire display. A finale leaves people with that feeling of excitement and enthusiasm. It also makes you feel as if you can't wait to look foward to the next show and tell even more people about it. Basically, a good fianle is something that you want to remember and refer to. And with the capacity of our competition, that is what, in my own interpretation, Montrealers expect in it. Don't get me wrong, many people may enjoy the show and couldn't even care less to see a finale, which is what badnitrus had said a few months ago. This statement is true because of the fact that many appreciate how the show was done in terms of many concepts i.e music, quality, etc. In fact, choice of music can affect one's perception or enjoyment of an actual show, even an intense finale, although this is not always the actual situation. In any case, a finale is definitely important, but once again, I want to emphasize the point of not in terms of who the winner should be, but rather, the overall impression that people would get and that "feeling it should leave you with." This is what is looked for. Also, you'll notice the response the audience would give depending on a bad/good performance.
As impressive as a lot of them that I've seen since 1990, I've enjoyed finales a lot more when the music is good and suits well to the segment, not to mention my personal preferences. In any case, sometimes, I don't even mind for the music as long as it's intense, but don't get me wrong, the music is what makes the finale and any segment alive, hence the term "pyromusical." In essence, music is very important to when it comes to an intense finale, so I think I'll get back on topic.

Just to conclude the point of this matter, it's like reading a book. As you're reading and following along with the protagonist and other main characters and major parts and pivital scenes within the story, you read and combine the whole story and psychologically, you feel the anticipation of the climax and see how the story ends. You hope for a good ending, sort of like a happily ever after scenario. Same thing here. The finale is the CLIMAX of the display and similarly, people want to see how the finisher will turn out.
I also want to emphasize one of your points, which is high quality in products. Of course, this is important and I also look for quality in a display. I also want to add in originality. This is also important because it keeps regular viewers, like all of us on this forum, from getting bored with the same thing over and over again. A great example would be many from this particular year, like Weco, JNS, Lacroix and even the U.S of last year, with that dramatic change of colors. As an experienced audience, variety and originality, as well as quality is important. Being creative is also important, especially when synchronizing with the music.
Anyways, I'm glad that we see things similarly, Lars. It's could to hear your thoughts again. Your opinion is just as good as mine.
Do you have any personal preferences on what song would make a good finale?
Regards,
Trav.
