In reply to 3 Names:
As a complete outsider to these things I would consider it reasonable as long as Marti is still making reasonable efforts trying to do it, but then again what does that mean?
This would be different in every case, would depend on several factors and is partly dependent on the likely grade and what Marti's redpoint grade is. If it's going to be 8c and Marti's grade is 7b, then I would say that unless Marti is rapidly improving his grade, it would not be reasonable to keep it closed as it would take several years for Marti to have any chance. However if Marti was already doing 8b and was intending to do loads of specific training over the winter to try and achieve the route next year then it would be reasonable to keep it closed.
Between those two there is no doubt a huge grey area but I would say that if Marti has a reasonable chance of doing it next season (i.e. before next winter) then it's reasonable for it to be closed.
There is a tactic that has been used elsewhere where people have climbed most of a route but purposely grabbed a quick-draw to invalidate their ascent and leave the first ascent there for the "owner" of the line. I think this has usually been done with the "owner".
Post edited at 19:32
