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... What are the downsides?
The downside for the person unwilling or unable to secure a permit online is that when those "walk-in" permits are available online they will probably be taken quickly. It's often a matter of seconds for some permits.
