it's all good, gotta disagree sometimes or it's not real life. But I don't think where that far apart on this.
Alsi, I'm not going to argue semantics, but if you're "on belay" your the one on the sharp end of the rope climbing. You'd be "belaying" while hanging(wink
) And, there isn't always a designated belay station when climbing, especially multi pitch trad-sure you want the most comfortable place possible, but it's not always ideal.
I never said a rch was the best designed solution for saddle hunting. BUT I have never been hanging solely from my saddle while saddle hunting... I always have my feet on something leaning in a semi-reclined position, or my knees on the tree, feet on a ros.
Only a fall in which someone could not get their feet on a tree, or resulted in someone being unconscious would result in a full hang. In that scenario, you may be better off in a "saddle" (like maybe an Aerohunter Evo) but I don't believe today's popular saddles effectively address all safety concerns we are discussing here.
I'm bowing out here everyone. This was a horrible tragedy that may have been fueled by popularity, social media, marketing, money, and what's cool. I hope we can all look at this and reflect about what and how we oursleves put things out in the world for everyone to see. My sincere condolences again to the family.