When I say “public eye” I mean he has a public record of his activities. Public….as in anyone has access this information. General public…..what does that mean? You mean folks who watch Fox News? Or do you mean the climbing community? If it’s the latter….I would say you and I know about it….and Bill posted this on a climbers web site……Rock & Ice is a climbers web site. Hmmmmm…..maybe more people are interested than you lead us to believe…..and maybe not…..
The vandalism comes when one comes and destroys others work. And yes one could argue your above point……but IMO….that is very weak argument.
It is not conceited at all…..I think (and you have heard this from me before) that chopping bolts is conceited. My way or no way style of thinking is all about ego.
I see routes, bolted or all gear, as art work. Someone took time to clean, scrub, maybe put an anchor in, trundle, top rope, clean some more, bolt if necessary, then lead and name…..art work bro……
sickie