Bristol probably gained more from the competition than anyone else. Her dancing improved but at best it put her to the point where Jennifer Grey and several others started. But she did improve and she became more comfortable talking into a microphone and camera. Most,if not all, the other contestants already had developed some sort of on camera persona, some element of agility, and some even had dance experience.

I cannot think of any justification for hate mail or death threats. Even frustration at the fact that far better dancers were being eliminated should not have been directed at Bristol. That was the result of her supporters.