My two cents:

I agree that the lack of a French or Itialian superstar is hurting. I do not think the doping issue would an issue if Lance had not won the last few tours. Personally I think performance enhancing drugs are a part of all professional sports, maybe not NASCAR but who knows. The European media made a huge deal out Lance and that in turn gave the issue undue attention. The number 1 sport in Europe, football, is probably plaqued with drug problems as well.
To complicate the issue, the strongest rider in the world is American, in a sport that is not very popular in America. Hatred will only drive the fans for so long, after they see that the guy they hate, be it Lemond of Armstrong, is not going away they will go away and wait for someone else. As much as I would hate it the best thing that could happen to procycling is for Lance to come in second this year.