I watch these every week. I have learned one thing. Riders like to try jumping way to soon, when in reality they should still be practicing braking points, turns, and maybe spending some time at a pump track.
I would even say that todays video had riders that overall appeared to be more skilled than most episodes.
I was about to agree with your first statement, and then remembered that at a young age with a BMX bike finally in my possession, as soon as I could figure out how to stack up blocks and add a plywood ramp, or build dirt into what would be considered a jump, I was trying to jump. I think the key is to push your limit without going WAAAAY over your head, which certainly some of the folks in these videos are doing. And to not forget about also practicing braking points, turns, trackstands, wheelies... :-)
That clip reminded me of how EVERY powerline section running through communities should be a bike trail, jump line or slalom course.
We should have a shuttle at every power line crossing.
1.25's a set up surely!! He's bailing even before the bike leaves the lip. He showed from the previous jumps he had the skills so what happened there. It's You've Been Framed all over again (fake a video to win £200)
2:05 I didn't think there was going to be a good fail then blue shirt comes in and destroys expectations on the last jump.