1x09 Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!

Hmm if Rei and Shinji were so easily synchronised right away on their 1st try, why didn’t they just change the plan to Shinji and Rei instead?
I’m not understanding the logic on why it had to be specifically Asuka?
But also why is Rei even on the bench in the first place? Wouldn’t it be better for all 3 of them to go?

I like how this show is half goofy sitcom and half fighting celestial beings with giant mecha suits