You forgot the first part of me response and only focused on the side remark at the end.
Michael may be getting the lead roles because he has the "look" the choreographer wants. In small local companies and recitals, where the audience is not sophisticated about ballet technique, the choreographer might be selecting the "look" he or she wants rather than the technique.
And relax, I believe I answered your question as politely as I could without revealing the reality of the ballet world: you need the technique AND the "look."
balletboy[/i]