512OW wrote:Fact is, toproping, for people who prefer toproping, provides them with a way to sidestep the mental strain they go through while leading. It's bringing a climb down to their level, instead of building their own skills to realize the climb.
I don't fully agree. What you said is true most of the time - and almost always in the gym. But I think there are some rock climbs that have "no fall zones" within them. As in, if you fall here, you are likely to get hurt. I think it would be foolish for someone to decide to lead a climb like that when it's the top of their limit and it could likely result in injury. I think in order to build their skills, it would be better to work it out on TR until gaining the ability and confidence to do the moves. It's not really bringing it down to their level, more like bringing their level up to the climb.
Granted, the reason I feel that way is that last year I decided to just go for it, embrace the mental strain - and ended up in the hospital for my efforts! So now if there's something questionable about a route, I'd rather TR it and lead it later when i know i'm less likely to injure myself!
But that's just the way I see things based on the experiences I've had while climbing.
"Unthinkably good things can happen, even late in the game." ~ Under the Tuscan Sun