Mathman -- I think that you are right about it being the USFSA, not the ISU. I know that Yagudin had no trouble with the Russian Federation when he wanted to maintain his Oly eligibility (and he actually tried to compete in SA in the '02/'03 season) after signing with SOI. I don't think it is just the fee, though. I think that it is impossible to do SOI and compete during the same season -- and many of the Oly eligible skaters still need to compete.