I have zero interest in Olympic cross country. The mountain bike race is more than a substitute for that. There are flat tires and spills and changes of momentum galore. Most underrated event of the Olympics, IMO.
The 10,000 is my most anticipated event because it basically kicks off the track and field portion just as swimming is about to end. Then almost every time that winner becomes either favored or among the favorites for the 5000, so it's a week long story line including potential tactical changes from the pursuers.
I can't imagine the comparative tedium if we had merely a standalone 5000.