I get your drift
@olympic, but I don't think that either Ross or his coaches have that kind of mindset. Why should they? It's rather insulting for people to keep viewing Ross' Nationals performances as some kind of 'fluke.' Neither Ross nor his coaches need to make any kind of amends for USFS' actions and their own resulting reactions. Ross was kicked to the scrap heap rather than being rewarded an Olympic spot. Your bolded viewpoint not only looks down on what Ross accomplished at Nationals this year, it also negates the notable and worthy achievements Ross made over his entire career. 'Going [to 4CCs] and backing it up,' is completely unnecessary. That sounds like something observers on the outside want, like some kind of vengeance. What's the point? There's no 'statement' Ross needs to make to anybody. He believed in himself and he went out there with grit and heart in his final Nationals and showed what he can do at his best. That's enough! He will have that moment forever. What USFS did can not be softened or disguised by focusing instead on what some think Ross and his coaches need to do or should have done in their responses and reactions to the decision.
With the current thinking and BOW criteria, other deserving skaters like Matt Savoie who were very talented but not highly regarded internationally might also not have been named to the Olympic team.
I think what happened to Ross is a very sore spot issue that most people apparently are ready to forgive, explain away, ignore, blame Ross and his coaches for, instead of keeping in mind that USFS did not set up a clear BOW plan and fully explain how it would be applied. Plus they mishandled the men's Olympic selection press conference IMO. Also there's the issue of the judging (lots of conflicting things that went on). Apparently some fans are tired of hearing about or even discussing the matter. It's true that nothing can be done and there isn't any point in belaboring the matter except to try and understand what actually happened, where things went wrong and why, as well as to truthfully assess the questions that the decision and its aftermath have raised. Like I've said, the way this was handled and the questions it raises are going to continue resonating. As usual USFS can continue trying to sweep it under the rug, and continue acting like they removed Ross for Adam. The reality is much more complicated and less straightforward than that.
I agree with the points you've made
@barbk.
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