I also disagree. I've witnessed too many gymnasts rushed through levels by coaches and parents because they "had the skills," only to burn out, get injured, or get stuck in an optional level due to extreme fears that they developed. Judging is scary and heart-attack-inducing when the gymnast is not ready for a level, but can throw some impressive skills here and there. Mobility scores slow down the gymnast long enough to be sure they can compete competently and successfully before moving on to harder and more dangerous skills. The compulsory levels do more than just focus on hand movements and perfecting arm placement, they make sure the proper strength is achieved for the harder skills, and the stamina is there as well. They also are supposed to ground the Gymnast in core skills that lead to harder skills. If the foundation is bad, the structure is bad. A well-seasoned judge/coach explained to me the process of teaching a proper round off, and it floored me. She said it takes hours and hours to teach it and for the gymnast to do it properly, sometimes even months and months. That's just one example of what I mean.My two cents is the same as its always been. I call shananigans on mobility scores. Conditioning and skill acquisition should determine level advancement.
As I watch my daughter progress this sport and I view the giant scope of gymnastics from Level 3-10 what becomes apparent is Hard work, desire, strength, and flexibility are the requirements to gain levels and chase dreams. If your gymnast has those traits they will be successful. If their coach can develop confident athletes they can be successful. An athletes struggles in level 3 or 4 or 5 will be memories long forgotten should they stay in the sport and achieve higher optional levels.
My take away is do not sweat the small stuff as each year there are only larger and larger hurdles.