I suppose I should elaborate a bit, and be more specific. Granted, I know there are skis that are so torsionally and laterally stiff that all they want to do is stay within their stated turn radius. I demoed a Dynastar a few years ago that was like that, and although I've never been on a true race ski, I can imagine they behave similarly. But....for many (most?) recreational skis, including many high performance models, I think that other factors play an influence on how a ski can turn outside of the TR spec. Skier weight, ski tip/tail stiffness (relative to the rest of the ski), overall torsional and lateral stiffness, skier technique (power input, fore-aft weight balance, angulation, rotation, inside/outside ski weighting), speed, edge tune, sidecut geometry (sp. not just the TR, but where the curves are placed and their shape), all play a role. That said, I think my statement that the TR spec is just a suggestion as to a ski's turning preference is quite valid. True, if pure geometry were the only factor at work here, then all skis would turn as per their spec. But in the real world, I think it just doesn't go like that.
As for short turns on my 88mm skis, I'm a big guy and can bend a stiff ski. Further, the tips and tails on these skis are much more pliant than the midsection (Mythic Riders; mixed construction -- cap fore and aft, sidewall underfoot), and therefore bend readily if some leg power is applied in the middle of a turn. No skidding needed; just put weight more forward, give a solid push with the legs to arc the skis, retract and unweight the inside ski a bit, and around they come. Not bad for a 23m ski. And fun to do....
As for rotation....hey, I'm OK with that. I know that some here seem to consider it to be poor form, but I honestly have never been overly concerned with what is pure form or what isn't. If I need to use some lower body rotation to bring the skis around quickly, then I'll do that, and consider it a great technique to have in my repertoire to be used when I need it. I pursue good technique and varied tools as a means to ski better and ski more terrain (= more fun), but not to be a purist and impress others.
Interesting discussion....thank s for the feedback.
Happy New Year to all!
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