In reply to Andy Hay:
Tophet Wall is one not to miss - far more enjoyable climbing! Really very worthwhile and the best route I've done at the grade anywhere. However, the Needle does beg to be done.
Polish is not the issue. Rick Graham's explanation is spot on, as Needlesports' method proved fiddly and unconvincing... although when I tried Rick's suggested method the rope rolled off the top as I did the most difficult bit of downclimbing. All part of the fun! The top pitch feels a bit insecure but it goes. I think the Wasdale Crack may be better than the arete because it's the original way, and that's what you're there for, no? But, we downclimbed the arete to get the full tick