I actually agree with you that it's pretty obvious Plushenko adores his kid. And Sasha idolizes his father, that's also very obvious. I also belong to the group that thinks that Sasha actually loves to skate. I've seen him on the little videos and with and without his papa and he likes it. Whether he likes it because of his father, or for skating itself, time will tell.
Having said that, I'd prefer them to find different ways of dealing with the kiddo than these. It's possible to and still be a strict but loving parent. We all mess up sometimes, nobody here is perfect. Anyway, I wish all of them the best.
It sounds better. If you watch them you see they are adore each other. The Love is not deniable. If you afraid from the beating from your father you will do what your father wants but you won't love him visibly.