I can't sleep, so I will share a recent experience.
I have been developing a climbing area in Washington, and I tend not to "overbolt" sport routes that i put up.
I recently got an e-mail from one of the climbers in the area I am working that stated they wanted to add 20 more bolts to my routes!!
I was quite upset, and told him so in no uncertain terms.
The question, I guess is this:
Because they are "sport routes", does that necessarily decree that all elements of risk should be removed?
Many routes at this crag are (in my opinion) way over-bolted.
There is no obvious ledging or obvious fall-potential, but if one is climbing 5.11, I feel that a little runout is within the parameters of ones ability!
How do folks feel about this? If you can plug in a bolt every four feet, how do you decide what is acceptable?
Growing up in a traditional environment, the thrill of being above your gear by a few feet increases focus, IMHO, and generally makes the climb more exciting. Just look at Red rocks or any number of overbolted crags to determine the decrease in (what I consider) sporting challenge.
Discuss.