My turn to chime in.......
In large part the Cascade climbing experience is the suffer fest, and by god we are proud of it. Climbing in the Cascades, whether it is a snow/glacier slog up one of the fat volcanoes or technical rock climbing on a spire usually entails long approaches and big elevation gains. It is what we expect from our climbs and what sets us apart from other regions of the world. It is a shame to lesson the experience using gross mechanical means.
The next time our friend Braumeister visits the PNW I encourage him to 'boot' it up the hill.
To add, lets not encourage any additional use of the Cats on Mt. Hood. They already contribute far too much noise, lighting and exhaust on the mountain.