Fwelin 
"[@Background Pony #BE46":](/1496902#comment_6365552
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Other than the storylines directly impacted by her crowning (such as her being self-conscious about not living up to her title), I'd argue that none of her character development was specifically linked to it. The Twilight in Magic Duel has developed significantly from the Twilight in Winter Wrap Up, and the Twilight in The Cutie Re-Mark is noticeably different than the Twilight in Princess Twilight Sparkle. Even if she never ascended, her character would still be going in the same direction in general, and putting the cause as her ascension alone is kind of misleading.
As for Starlight's story purpose, eh, I'd say it's different. Twilight's story purpose in seasons 1 and 2 was to learn friendship lessons and indirectly teach them to the (assumed to be young) viewers. That changed after that, and wasn't really a focus in seasons 3-5. Starlight's story purpose is more that of watching the rehabilitation of a pony who had very damaged views on friendship and social interaction, as a way of seeing a mentor and student relationship from the other side, and as a way to bring characters like Trixie and Maud into second-string character status for further storylines. I don't think they're trying to teach friendship to viewers through her like they were with Twilight.
Other than the storylines directly impacted by her crowning (such as her being self-conscious about not living up to her title), I'd argue that none of her character development was specifically linked to it. The Twilight in Magic Duel has developed significantly from the Twilight in Winter Wrap Up, and the Twilight in The Cutie Re-Mark is noticeably different than the Twilight in Princess Twilight Sparkle. Even if she never ascended, her character would still be going in the same direction in general, and putting the cause as her ascension alone is kind of misleading.
As for Starlight's story purpose, eh, I'd say it's different. Twilight's story purpose in seasons 1 and 2 was to learn friendship lessons and indirectly teach them to the (assumed to be young) viewers. That changed after that, and wasn't really a focus in seasons 3-5. Starlight's story purpose is more that of watching the rehabilitation of a pony who had very damaged views on friendship and social interaction, as a way of seeing a mentor and student relationship from the other side, and as a way to bring characters like Trixie and Maud into second-string character status for further storylines. I don't think they're trying to teach friendship to viewers through her like they were with Twilight.