In reply to nickinscottishmountains:
I don't read it as arrogant, or elitist at all. It's also not about being "good " or talented". There are loads of people who climb grade I and II who also abhor the thought of unnecessary fixed pro, bolts in the mountains etc.
If you want to improve at Scottish winter climbing, yes, you'll have to push your limits. And yes, it's sometime "nice" when your pumped and shaking to find an old nut or whatever, but if you're relying on this then when you suddenly find yourself on a tricky route, with no insitu, you may be struggling with the lack of necessary skills to identify, unearth and place your crucial piece of pro.
I'm sad to say it, but it's
your ego that is getting in the way - I know Dave personally (not that well, but enough) and he is one of the least egotistical grade chasing climbers I know. If he, or I, or anyone can't climb Grade (insert whatever grade you fancy) without the comfort of tonnes of fixed gear, we quite simply don't do it, or fail trying. We drop back a grade and gain the skills and strength necessary to make that next grade jump.
This is not elitism, this is just plain and simple development of mountaineering / climbing skills.
If you aren't willing to learn these skills, then go sport climbing. Yes, that IS arrogant and elitist and I don't care! Scottish winter climbing is defined by our obscure "rules" and it will be a sad day when that changes.
Post edited at 17:35