Hi, I'm Awesome In Human Form

Your first question reflects how fans seem to have the notion (and I seriously don’t know where they get it) that SME has the ultimate and absolute power to control the media and the public in a way that they want their products to be received. Although, SME can indirectly control the results with their very well respected (and very well bashed, because poor unfortunate fans we are…) marketing schemes, it is still solely up to the public (us) whether we will like what they throw at us. Meaning, hypothetically speaking, let’s say your theory is correct and SME wants to raise Jessica’s popularity and throw her out there, offers won’t come showering down Jessica unless the public demands more of her. Although my baby is quite especially busy lately, right? The girls themselves said they are aware that each member’s popularity is seasonal. Jessica is in season. ^^

Secondly, no, I have not heard of that. With all the bashing Jessica got pre-debut… lmfao it’s no wonder she was quite popular when SNSD debuted. Like I said, even if SME has decided who the central member would be, it is still up to the public to choose who they will view as the face and the center. I’ve always felt that there’s no certain conspiracy and that SME is just good at picking their centers and have been quite spot on with their choices. After all, they don’t spend money and time training a bunch of kids for nothing, right? 

There’s rarely any conspiracy in Kpop, just over-imaginative children.