Congratulations, JW! And nice trip report. I saw all the rain, and wondered how people were doing on the trail.
As for wifi access, the weather was killing the power numerous times, so that was probably the biggest factor. I've always had good results at the Hostel.
Your not making Trail Camp with the load might have saved you from experiencing worse altitude problems.
About the water: It might have lightened your load if you had taken a smaller amount, and refilled at the last water (at about switchback #9, I think) above Trail Camp. From that point, people take about 3 liters. Some people (including me) don't even filter it there.
