>I heard an interview on the radio with the athletes who didn't want additional gold medals awarded, but to have the taped sessions rejudged by an independent panel of judges.

I'd like to know how you can find someone certified to judge Olympic skating that hasn't heard about this and already formed their own opinion. Not an easy task, but I agree, this is the only fair way I can think of.

>However, if they drop off the French judge's scores, that does make it a tie, does it not? And ties are allowed...

Yes, but that hardly makes it fair. What if they dropped the French judges scores for every pair? And why not the Russian judge? If it turns out they wheeled and dealed together, don't you think the Russian judge's scores will be less than objective? Also, when a tie is made for first, don't both the competitors get the silver? Thats what I heard, not sure though. If thats the case, it would only be fair to take away the gold medals and give out two silvers.