RF: I admire the unofficial guide, with two exceptions.
First, it almost totally ignores the need to acclimatize for wind and endurance (mild hypoxia without AMS) concentrating almost entirely on AMS. I have never had AMS, but always need to acclimatize for shortness of breath and endurance, even when I am in top shape. For me and I believe most people, this is at least as important to the success and enjoyment of a hike as preventing AMS.
The second exception is its discussion of "climb high,sleep low" even with its qualification that this only kicks in at 10,000 feet, it is problematical. First, it is often quoted without reference to the 10,000 foot application. Second, even starting at 10,000 feet, it would make starting at Whitney Portal much more difficult, precluding staying at Trail Camp on night one, which is obviously a very common practice.
I ran into one case in point of a hiker who thought he could start from sea level, hit the Whitney Trail , summit and camp at Guitar on the first day of his JMT hike because he was following the 10,000 foot climb high sleep low rule. He was focussed entirely on avoiding AMS and had no idea that shortness of breath and general exhaustion were even an issue. With no acclimation at all, he had no AMS signs, but he was dangerously exhausted just above Trail Camp, very confused as to why. I talked it over with him and he decided to retreat to Trail Camp and call it a day. This was a pretty extreme example, but I think to a lesser extent for many people learning about acclimation there is far too little said about shortness of breath without AMS.
Fnally, I don't think CHSL applies at all for say a JMT through hike, after the first few days of real acclimatization, although many seem to believe it does. as it would preclude many of the best experiences in many itineraries, , such as camping in Evo Basin, trail Junction bivvies, Whitney Summit etc, anywhere above 11 or 11.5 all of which are just fine after a few or several days acclimation.
A much better principle for acclimation would be climb high, and sleep at the highest elevation at which you are comfortable
