I see the discrepancy most in competitions where USFS and ISI skaters compete together. In general (and yes, I know this is a vast generalization and has no basis other than my own observation and opinion), the ISI skaters seem to have weaker basics outside of the elements on their tests than the USFS skaters. For example, when the ISI test requires a pattern containing 3 turns, the three turns within the pattern will be okay the 3 turns in the program setting up for a jup, say, will be scratchy and uncontrolled. I have to say, too, that I've never seen the ISI coaches at my rink spending a lot of time on basics like stroking and turns beyond what's required on the test the skater is working on. Whereas, the USFS coaches generally begin each lesson with plain stroking, forward and backward and then with whatever edges and turns the skaters is working on before getting to the "fun stuff." I think IJS's PCS scores have pushed coaches into putting more emphasis on cleaning up edges and turns.
I know one of the few complements I get on my skating is that I have strong edges and good flow, both of which I put down to having done decades of figures when I first started skating. Even with MIF, I don't see skaters and coaches putting close to the same effort into perfecting those skills now, but (again in general) I see the USFS skaters working them much more than the ISI ones.
Also, if you want an example of of a high-level skater who (IMO) epitomized the strong tricks/weak skills model, look at early Surya Bonaly. Her background in tumbling and acrobatics gave her very athletic jumps and spins but the girl couldn't stroke to save her life. The most common criticism I heard from judges at the time was that she had NO edges to speak of, which is probably what kept her from achieving the vistories she (and her mother) thought she deserved based on her jumps. I suspect that if IJS had been in effect during her heyday, she might not even have done as well as she did, primarily because her skating skills were so far below par for the international level.