In reply to Tom Knowles: Man trap avoidable on the left up a short over hang. This probably isnt a great deal easier but is much less exposed an intimidating. 40 ft corner also avoidable on left by traversing round away from the crest of the ridge and finishing up little Brenva Face . I have also taken these variations in descent in the summer but many years ago so little detail remian in the memory .
What is certain ( having done NE ridge again a couple of years ago after R hand route) is that both these variations are inferior to the man trap 40 ft corner line although, in summer, the Man Trap is the most scratched and eroded bit of rock I've seen in the mountains - which is a bit of a shame