I love the idea of a bow on a multi-tiered caked with long ribbon tails that trail down the sides. But how do I do this without having them look like limp, cooked lasagna noodles stuck to against the cake as they travel down over the tiers? All the ones I've seen follow (are stuck to) the sides and top of each tier, in a step formation, as if they were wet and weighed a ton rather than light airy ribbon tails cascading and curling lightly over the sides. has anyone had any success in achieving this effect?

I have not done this so take my suggest w/a grain of salt
I think to achieve the look you are wanting one have to dry the fondant flat - well w/a slight bit of movement - 1st and put it on the cake dry so it holds it's shape.