I don't think the word "fair" means what you think it means.
States have already set the precedent that parties (well, apparently only 3rd parties) get thrown off the ballot due to these so-called "technicalities". Since the states have decided to apply the letter of the law and not the spirit of the law to the parties, it should apply to ALL parties.
Bending the rules for any party means the election, by definition, cannot be fair. No amount of caps nor words such as "clearly" in your argument can change this.
To the contrary, this would be a pro-democratic decision, as it would make the established precedent apply to every entity in the group, not giving favor to one.
In any event, I already answered your question about what would have happened in my previous posts. Feel free to go re-read them, if you can put your internet rage beside yourself and render a moment of clarity.
And I'm not going to "acknowledge the consequences if McCain lost the election" as it simply wouldn't happen.
Ballot access laws are already extremely slanted toward the two major parties, and this is a continuing trend in that direction.
Damn me, trying to put myself through nonsense! As a citizen of Texas, I must hate myself!