ASIA has only recently become very competitive in Men's figure skating. This coming Olympics will be the first time for the Men where it can be said that North America, Europe, and Asia will ALL have a strong "teams".
Does this mean that whoever wins 2010 Olympics should be regarded as the greatest Male figure skater ever? After all, none of the Champions in the past had to face this amount of competition from all different parts of the World.
That is an interesting question........
First we have to wait and see the level of skating - will the men's competition be red hot and full of great performances - or will it be more like Torino where mistakes and sloppy skating was on display.
Here are some thoughts about 2010:
If Plushy wins he will prove he belonged on the list and a case can be made he is the greatest of all time.
If Joubert wins, it would be good for skating as he is very popular with skating fans. But he will not make the list
thanks to seniorita 
If Evan wins it would be interesting. I think it would make the strong statement that figure skating is a SPORT because Evan can only win by out competing the others. It would show that skating isn't only about who is the most stylish or popular but a sport where hard training and the will to win matter just as much as other sports. But a medal, even Gold will, not earn Evan a spot on the list.
If Patrick wins and continues in the sport until 2014 he would be on his way to earning a spot on the list. His artistry stands out in an era of big jumpers.
If Jeremy or Tomas win....it would be a miracle......because two clean programs will probably be necessary in Vancouver. No spot on the list for either of these two but a win or a medal in Vancouver would feel good.
If Lambiel wins he earns a spot on the list.
And Stephane's artistry and stylish skating deserves to be remembered.
If Johnny wins it would feel like a big upset. I don't think it would earn him a spot on the list as his international record over the years is not impressive and could be considered disappointing. For him to win any medal would be the highlite of his career and a nice way to go out.
If Takahashi wins it would be very memorable. Coming off major reconstructive knee surgery would be inspirational and being the first Asian man to win the OGM would also earn him a spot in skating history. If he stuck around for a few more years and won a few other international medals he could make the list.
He is a case of the skater good enough to win - who under performs when it matters most.
If Oda wins it will be historic and the whole world will be smiling watching his Chaplain program. I think ISU wants happy programs and Oda may be given very good marks for his happy program. But Oda hasn't been successful enough in international events to make the list.
Whoever wins the OGM in Vancouver will be remembered for winning in one of the deepest and most talented fields in Olympic history. It will have more significance because for the first time ever we don't know which geographic region the winner will come from. It will feel different than winning in the 50's because it is different.
Does it prove the winner is one of the best skaters ever? Not really, but it might feel that way - and depending on the outcome it may also be true.
In any case if Plush for example is 10th after the short with respectable gap between 1st and 10th, and no much hope to medal he will probably try his combos if he can by then. If you cant go down to history one way, you can go the other.
Or he will do a saltoà la Bonely But thats too much speculation. 
Plushy has his weight in gold medals-not his present weight, his chubby weight-and even if medals dont count, new combos, has his name with the first who many times, dominance and longevity,even his mullet is freaking consistent! With Yagudin they painted a whole era, became both household names and made the sport more popular (at least in europe cause this I know)
