Sure.
There are two different points I think it's worth making. Firstly, people mention repeated exposure to the judges as something that will improve PCS. The thing that is neglected here is that repeated exposure to judges = more competing. We keep hearing about how skaters need to get their programs out to the judges to get feedback and improve them, so that's definitely a factor. But more than that, more competing means better skating. "Practice makes perfect" - right? Often, skaters IMPROVE as they gain a reputation, so what seems like lazy reputation judging is actually commenting on said improvements. So this doesn't seem like cheating to me. Watch Virtue/Moir's progression of PCS scores. They've definitely developed a reputation over the past few years (earned, I think we'd agree), but they've also improved.
So, was Akiko marked fairly? Like you, I thought she gave the long program of the ladies event. I haven't taken a really close look at the protocols though. A quick glance points out that she gets very little GOE for her elements (which I don't think is entirely out of line) and that there's a range of opinions about her PCS. It's the PCS that give me pause - and again, I don't know if it's incorrect application of COP's precepts or a correct application of flawed precepts (I know what you think
I'd like to learn more about PCS before making that judgement
Finally, I don't think the result was fixed in the sense that outside forces pressured a certain ranking (a la SLC Pairs). That stated, I do think that the more entertaining programs being marked lower is a bad thing for perception of the sport as most people won't take the time to figure out the devil in the details (and some, including yourself?, believe that we shouldn't have to, so that's another kettle of fish), and the appearance that a result was fixed would deliver a pretty brutal blow to the sport (at the Olympics or any international event leading up to the Olympics)
I think you make several good points.
I still disagree that in a "points" system that reputation should matter or is even relevant. If judges followed the rules of CoP the scoring would be be better and more fair.
Please let me know where the rules that allow "marking better known skaters higher" appear in the CoP manual?
I typically don't look at the marks as long as I think the podium is right and reflective of what I saw on the ice.
Several people on different topics have said they thought Akiko won the LP.
I think the scores and placement for the Ladies was wrong at the GPF so I did look at the scores. Akiko correctly won the technical score but I think she should have won it by more than she did.
The pcs were just silly. Akiko's program that night just sparkled - and she electrified the crowd. Sure it was in Japan, but she would have set off a Canadian, American or European crowd off too.
You don't win an event for only being the best received but other aspects of Akikos program were clearly superior that night. She won more than the jumps imo, but it is so easy to manipulate score with the pcs.
Her step sequence was clearly the best and the most musical. I thought her IN was superior to two skaters who were having an off night and let it show a little.
Part of the problem in scoring skating will always be subjective and I admit part of my preference for Akiko is subjective.
I would say this: I thought Akiko was sensational and the others mediocre.
They did not execute their programs as well and they did not match Akiko's spirit and fire presenting their programs.
I think there were reasons Akiko did not win and they have nothing to do with what happened on the ice.
Call it a conspiracy or whatever, but I don't like to see skating competitions so poorly judged. I don't think it is good for the sport.
I believe less in fairness and honesty after the GPF than I did before it.
And as far as the Olympics go - there has always been fixing and wheeling and dealing going on and in skating sometimes the bigger the prize the bigger the deception. It has always been that way and CoP unfortuantely has failed to make scoring more fair and is probably easier to manipulate than 6.0.
Consider this - if what we saw at the Ladies event of the GPF was instead what we saw at the Olympics - do you think it would cause a problem and maybe another "scandal." ?
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