I see what you mean Mikel
this is something that is to happen with every influential creative, as they are being watched carefully, it's very easy to notice when the expected doesn't happen...
20/20 is a fantasy, it doesn't exist... even for the most genius artists (not saying Meisel is a genious there, and by the same way not saying he's not a genius... both would be pretty akward to say as some things are more beautiful to stay at a state of feeling rather than words... )
then, even if I do believe he's thinking future, I'm not sure he's choosing every girl with this consideration and may also pick girls to fit his current mood/story... And I even hope so.
Vogue Italia is a hot spot as several others, a way to get noticed...
but without a model who is talented and striving for success enough to achieve something, carried by an agency who is having enough interest in the girl and adopting the right stategy to avoid a possible burn out or to be sure the girl is available at the right moments...
This and that, it makes a lot of parameters in the end... B)