In reply to GridNorth:
> (In reply to Mark Bannan)
>I would be reluctant to undo many years of history and tradition just because modern rock climbers find that things don't fit in with their view of the world.
What if such "things" are actually grade errors and "their view of the world" was actually an improvement to such an error?
>I also think that it would be unwise to end up with a situation where the UKC log book grades are seriously out of kilter with the guide books.
What if a guidebook was erroneous and the UKC log books actually proved this?
>....but to eliminate a grade which has been around for donkeys years seems a little drastic...
I think it is already being carried out. I have never seen a "Hard Diff." in any SMC guidebook and I know that the SMC have (correctly IMHO) removed the mild VS grade.
>.....and I'm sure that those grading them at that time could make that distinction.
Back in the 1890's there were only a very few grades, with none above Severe. With almost no protection, hemp ropes and hob-nailed boots (i.e. fewer variables than now), it was probably easier to distinguish HD from D. It would appear that HD is dying out already and I just wish that UKC would eliminate it too.
Post edited at 14:08