The only obstacle for Amelie-melo remains Lindsay, but I'm sure she'll make it in the final. She hates losing in a final.
As for Venus, it is quite sad, but it gives a little more thrill for the spectators...
BTW, I'm looking forward to an all-French semi-final Nathalie-Amelie...
There is nothing tragic about Venus losing today; she lost her EIGHT match of the year and only the fourth to someone other than Serena. Carpet is her worst surface and since she doesn't play that much in the Fall (something she might want to change next year), it wasn't a surprise that she lost.
As far as Amelie rising, she has been as high as number five, only to fall out of the top ten. It is only her great play since Wilmbeldon that she is where she is now.
Also note: Venu has not been out of the top five since 1999.