In reply to Alan James, ROCKFAX:
> (In reply to Mick - Rockfax USA)
>
> Mick, Ken's Thin End of the Wedge argument is now into its forth decade and is more of a ball and chain to British climbing than a benefit.
I don't see how it is. I believe his usefulness is that he stimulates debate, opens up the discussion and keeps us on our toes. He's not the only one by any means. I think UK climbing culture is what keeps UK climbing diverse and Ken is a cog, an importanty one, in that culture.
> The sands of time have proven that British climbing can look after itself without resorting to mass retro-bolting
Yes it does look after itself because of people like Ken and any of us who takes it seriously.
> and yet Ken still manages to dominate meetings with his tired old rhetoric and prevent any real debate taking place.
Does he? I think the debate would be healthy with or without him. He is a bit loud in meetings....a bit of a showman.
>
> More examples of the thin end of the wedge: (cut)
Good examples
> In the 1980s Ken's argument had a place but that was when the battle lines were drawn. Redrawing them today with the ill-informed arguments he puts in his latest post slagging of Portland doesn't benefit anyone, it just alienates young climbers from the debate.
I agree as regards Portland et al. I think he should direct his attention to the Alps.
Mick