I think you'd be hard-pressed to get that beautiful, blue dinner-plating glacier ice on the NF of Maude at all. I could be wrong. Wasn't really trying to call you out or anything.
I'm not sure about your comparison, natty. I think Stuart's Ice Cliff poses both more hazard and challenge than NF Maude. And they're both climbable year-round, with sensible exceptions for avy danger, of course.
I thought the route kicked ass. Climbed it July 8th and went left - not toward the rock. I think it could be really awesome during a cold snap after an initial snowfall or two.
Sorry we missed you.
There were about eight of us in the sand dunes between the beach and the trees next to the building. I like it over there because it's less crowded and less visible. Same reason it's tough to find, I guess.
I am both honored and humbled that my little TR from two years ago has become the official repository for quality PP->BS linkup beta. Thank you, Blake and MattP.