The American version is built on a biscuit rather than sponge, which several of us hadn't realised, and it makes a considerable difference — you get something short and crumbly holding the cream rather than something soft that collapses. The rule is cold butter and minimal handling, exactly as with scones, and Chef Emily stopped people who were working the dough smooth. Macerating the strawberries with sugar half an hour ahead is what produces the syrup that soaks into the biscuit.
Amara