In reply to rif:
Very helpful, thank you! Despite using that site extensively for planning (it's a fantastic resource, isn't it?) I somehow misidentified the mentioned ridge for the NNE ridge on the map, and thus didn't realise it was talking about the School House ridge!
Definitey talking about the east ridge of Carn Mor Dearg though. The map and aerial view suggested it might have some rock steps or similar difficulties, and, well, forewarned is forearmed! It sounds like the winning approach to the CMD arete from that side at any rate. I'm tentatively planning on camping in Steall Meadows for a couple of days if the forecast is good and taking a look at the CMD arete, a traverse of 'the Aonachs' and perhaps something on the North Face of the Ben if conditions are good.