For me, the old trail isn't about the going up part, it's the coming down part. I've posted before how the part of the hike that kicks my butt the most (mentally at least) is the section between LPL and the Portal. Anything to make that last section shorter makes me happy.
Now, on the going up part....I'm really beginning to grow fond of my little notch shortcut. Makes the beginning of the hike a little more interesting.
If I could find a route that was like that the whole way, my son might actually join me. He seems to have an aversion to switchbacks. But throw in some climbing and he loves hiking. Now, if I could get him over the aversion to doing one's business in the great outdoors I might be able to get him to do an overnight trip.
And finally, it's nice to know that there are other options if needed. Just think, if any WHA member had been in the group that got stuck at the north fork last week, they would have been able to guide the group down.
One more comment about the condition of the trail, I didn't think it was that bad. Sure it's not as pristine as the MMWT, but I wouldn't have any issues going down (or up) at night.
