A tie vote means the lower court decision stands, and the SCOTUS decision has no force and effect or precedential effect. In such a court, over time, if evenly divided, the various appellate districts and the laws that govern them would Balkanize. That sucks too. It would be rather interesting if CFR were legal in some districts and not others! Think about that one.
The beauty of the CFR is that in time it will collapse of its own weight. In time, maybe after my lifetime but perhaps not, the Torie plan will be adopted in some form. That is my prediction.
That means the 9th Circuit Rulings would stand. UGH!
I think you are right that CFR will collaspe under its own weight as they continue to add more and more restrictions.