In reply to Aztec Bar:
There is one big issue with feature walls. Once you can climb it features only, it doesn't matter what route is set up it, they are capped by how hard the features only is. So if it goes at VS as you say - thats about a 4 or maybe 4+ sport route, you will never get a 6a up it, unless its an eliminate. Then what is the point of having the features?
Maybe they wish for the full spectrum of climbers to be able to use this feature? Such features are rare these days and I think you'll find an 8a climber will appreciate it just like a 4+ climber. Also by adding holds, they can art least change the route and make different features useable in different ways.
There are only 15 routes or so above 7a in the whole wall. So as a person who climbs these grades is already extremely limited in routes to climb - more so than beginners who have a large top rope section and plenty of routes in the lead area. Isn't bringing it all down to beginner level a bit selfish?
If I inverted the argument. As I only lead climb, and usually somewhere in the 7's unless warming up. All the top rope sections are pointless, so too are routes below 6b as they don't really get the blood going for the main show of the hard routes. Sound fair?
Got me going there! Seems I needed a rant this morning.
MK does an alright job of covering most bases, with a little originality as the stalactite features demonstrate. I think they will have thought about this new wall long enough to come up with a wall which works for both them and their wide range of customers. haven't tried the new bit yet - but will now look forward to the challenge.