That said, I'm torn between my feelings, after having watched the top 3 and looking at the results. On one hand I'm happy for Daisuke that he won Nationals for the 5th time, but sad that he won with so many falls. I'm sure even he, being the warrior that he is, isn't pleased with how he skated.
This reminds me in every way how I felt when Sasha Cohen won the 2006 Olympic Silver Medal with two falls (and, yes, I consider both falls).
I cannot think of *one* Olympic Champion in Mens or Ladies singles skating that has won with a fall, as it should be. For this I thank the skategods first & foremost, then the judges.
Just because one comes to mind, I'll mention that if I remember correctly, Kristi Yamaguchi of all people won with a fall at Albertville. When I watched her LP again some time ago, I was shocked to see the fall.
But your point is well taken. It's hard to understand how several falls can still lead to a gold, unless everyone else fell more. Like you, I have a bit of an unsettled feeling over Sasha's win (though I was thrilled at the same time) and now over Daisuke's (though again I'm thrilled at the same time). I guess being a sports fan means having to live with ambiguity from time to time.