"Actually I blame the USA (why not!?) - who lavished heaps of money, turning it into a Circus..."

Yeah, the USA fucked up the Olympics. I guess that is what happens when you offer money to the European whores that run the event. It seems like on that side of the pond that folks are willing to grab their ankles and bend over at the promise of a few Euros.

Short term memories. Look at the lavish spreads that have been put on for decades.