[And without that vital piece of the puzzle...]

Indeed. While Republic City is certainly facing a threat, the circumstances sound very different from the previous Avatar's as well. Comparing herself to them at this time could seems inappropriate... Everyone grows at their own pace- even those with skill. But I imagine that she feels like she has the weight of the people on her shoulders, which can't help.

[He could certainly see the expectations placed upon her and the need to immediately meet those expectations as a bad influence.]