>Direct vote would have many downsides including the fact that most states would be totally ignored by the candidates.

People vote, regions (states) don't. Giving any person greater vote weighting than any other person based on gender, race, income status, religous beliefs, political affliation, physical appearance, physical handicap or sexual orientation is unfair. I would imagine either illegal or unconstitutional as well (anyone?). Giving someone a greater vote weighting because of the address nailed on their front door would appear to be unfair as well.