I would definately attend the free skate, since many skaters may place ahead in the short program only to fall apart in the long (Carolina Kostner is one example). I attended the 2006 nationals before the Olympics, and I know it added to the drama in qualifying for the Olympic and World teams. Maybe I would attend the short program for the pairs. I guess it depends if there was an overwhelming 'favorite' but that hasn't happened in recent Winter games!