More answers:
3) Trail condition: People hike it at night. If you get off the trail, you are in un-navigable boulders, so you would realize it in about 2 steps. It's only a problem in a snow storm.
4) WAG bags are multi-use. I recall a scout leader telling of one scout claiming a record on a trip by using the same bag 5 times.
Take a spare gallon zip lock bag or better, an odor-proof bag to stuff it in.
5) Strict entry/exit dates: Entry dates are extremely strict. Exit dates do not matter. You state the exit date on the permit, but you can linger, or leave early -- nobody cares. (If you start from
another trail head, then the Trail Crest exit permit is required, and you need to try to exit on that date.)
