If it is intentional, then i think this is a very smart move. Say if he didn't add the 4lz, and loses the gold.. there would be SO MANY media and 'fans' backlash.
Since he changed the layout and added the lutz, even if he got the silver he was able to shut down some of the comments about him recycling. People know that a clean yuzu would win but no one knows yet what the new layout would give him. So even people cannot ultimately say that yuzu is old news because they know what he is capable of. Even at the COR, with a lot of mistake at the first! Competition he did quite well. Better than expected tbh. i had low expectations then.
And thats why even with the media hyping the other skaters, they know they gotta watch out for yuzu hence skaters comes out with a lot of quads just to have a chance to beat yuzu.
And the thing about yuzu, he is so unpredictable that you never know what could happen. Other people can pray that yuzu won't have a clean skate or whatnot but in the end.. but yuzu could just pull a great comeback or a clean back to back performance.
And for me, there are other skaters that can win over him no doubt esp shoma or nathan but that is when yuzu open the door for them. If he does that, then there's nothing to say about it. Sure i'll be sad but that is just normal in sport. Some win some loses.
Sorry for the rant. I got pissed at some people i saw on social media.