On the deduction for falling
It's funny the OP suggests reducing the penalty for falling to 0.5.. I've often thought the exact opposite, that the fall penalty should be increased at least to -2.
Or, if it is to be argued not to increase this penalty when incurred on a jump, (or on an element in general), as other penalties are applicable there through GOE, there should at least be a separate and more severe penalty than -1 for the "random fall in the corner" type of fall. Because let's face it, a fall at any point for any reason is a pretty major error in this sport, showing a lack of mastery of the blade, and is the most recognizeable and disruptive error to the casual viewer.
I believe the penalty for a fall should be decreased because I increased the -GOE value for jumps.
If a skater two-foots a jump, falls out of the landing awkwardly, and puts both of their hands down on the ice...that really isn't much better than falling. -3 GOE on a jump should be a massive penalty.
To lose a mere point for a fall on "nothing in particular" in the corner of the rink, on a long program scoring 80+ or 100+ or 140+, and when the skater in question might have a lead significantly larger than that on their closest rival after the SP, just does not seem weighty enough, by a longshot. Yes PCS is also supposed to take a hit, but who ever knows how much is really coming off there? There are too many overall factors going into that mark.
We have to at least trust the judges to do something right. If a skater falls while just stroking, there should definitely be a drop in the PCS in addition to the formal .5 deduction.
Although, LOL, sometimes an unexpected fall can actually improve the choreography.
Look at the end of Valentina's program:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qlDr-bv-Ko
Incredibly funny. I think it actually added to the program. It went right with the music and the over-the-top presentation style she was selling!