I really feel as if I am missing something here.
Maybe I misunderstand, but I do not think that you, Bob, are advocating that late-game permits be released exclusively online, but rather online, too. If that is the case, then anyone who was physically in Lone Pine would be able get an available permit from Inyo staff, and anyone that was close enough to travel to Lone Pine that evening or early the next morning would be able to get an available permit online. The advantages to issuing permits both ways would be reducing the number of cars burning fuel for no reason, increasing permit availability by giving anyone in a position to actually avail themselves of a last minute permit a fair shake at getting one, providing a contactless means of obtaining a permit while also maintaining a way to get one in person, and increasing access to and inclusivity of the Sierras. What are the downsides?
