Leah reminds me a bit of Jinelle whose makeover changed her look from so-so to awesome. I also have been thinking she would be the “makeover” target. I guess we will have to see.
I am not positive, but I think if they finish their first season and get their pinkie rings they are considered alumni. I don’t know if that changes if they get cut after that.
I agree, I think they are someone a few steps removed, but close enough to weasel some info out, or to put the puzzle pieces together. And it is too much of a coincidence that they appeared on this forum at the time they did.