Never thought I would say this but I agree with Pope's above statement. (although his attempts at comparing it to rap-bolting are, as usual , pathetic) I would have no problem tappin in a pin if conditions and terrain warrant it, although I highly doubt a hammer would be part of my arsenal on a clean trade route at a crag.
Hmmm... I wonder about that. If we are truly talking about pitch 1 of Green Drag-on and my memory is correct, the freeclimbing crux is at about 2/3 height after the angle eases back and immediately below the 4th class finish. Since the 11- crux is laying back small pin scars on a slabby seam, additional scarring would dramatically affect the freeclimbing and the ease of placing protection.
Multiple "snowy adventures" = permanently altered and unrepairable climbing. Correctly placed fixed hardware = permanent unaltered climbing and removable/repairable damage. Your right Pope, it's not the "same" thing.