All of this is a compromise of some sort. Animals don't cut branches and saw through downed trees to make trails. Human influence is all over the wilderness and it's not all bad. Some of these Rangers are living in cabins in that forbidden wilderness with Oh My God, toilets of some sort. Do they not "get it?"
The stone masonry structure on top of Whitney, let's take that down. Bridges and logs over rivers and creeks, bye bye. Where do you draw the line? It's all a compromise of some sort and that's the intent of the Wilderness Act, not to lock people out.
I think we have a fair mix of different levels of "wild" out there. Whitney and Half Dome are at one extreme of heavy use. At the other end, there are thousands of acres off trail for the hearty adventurer that doesn't want to see another soul or sole print. Plenty of typical trails in between where you might see someone or maybe not depending on day of the week.
I think Steve's point is that it's important get as many people as possible to experience wilderness. Make it easier, not harder. No need to make someone a butt of a joke over that opinion.
