I'm not a Constitutional scholar. I only know the broad outlines of the fundamental law.

Therefore it's still not clear to me that Pence could have done something effectively, or not.

I tend to go with FSK's opinion that the framers of the constitution didn't intend for the VP to have that level of decision making authority because it introduces the paradox that he cited that any president could stay in power indefinitely by stalling or modifying the electoral counts.

I wish anyone screaming that Pence "should have done something" would just consider that concept. Maybe you're right. Maybe you're trivializing a very deep interpretation issue.

But that's my gut and I may/probably be wrong. Goddamnit, isn't there anyone in power who can just decide this and do the right thing?

I also don't trust the opinion on this matter of anyone who doesn't have specific credentials. This has become like in 2020 when everyone was a "Facebook Authorized Vaccine Authority".

No slam intended - you're clearly passionate about the topic - I just know what the boundaries of my own judgement are.