For one, I'm Australian and not American. That's likely even worse and reflects how much American culture we've adopted and consumed that it shows through so much in my writing.
You would also do well to separate literary elements of suspense and danger from exact happenings. I don't write literal accounts of every single event in minute detail so taking this overly seriously is quite pointless.
I write it to lean more towards entertaining than informative. If you're seeking a scholarly approach then head to
www.vanishingpoint.ca instead and you'll be far happier. I write for myself and the small group of friends that I know enjoy the style in which I write. Obviously that doesn't appeal to you, tough.
Now to address your points. I'm not convinced this is a worthwhile exercise since your points are generated from the comfort of your armchair and my vague, detail deficient account:
--------------
Frans:
One, they refused to allow people on the team who had been there before and knew of the hazards and pitfalls (no pun intended).
Correct, we didn't go there seeking a tour and have someone hold our hand. We went there chasing adventure and excitement. Risk is an element of that which we accepted. My friends, as myself, find life more rewarding and enjoyable when lived at the edge of our comfort zone. Sometimes that ends badly and those consequences are an accepted risk. I find that I learn much more about myself and whatever it is I'm going when it's learned in such a situation. If you're the kind who prefers the tour guide, a map and gift shop then I'm jealous you're so easily satisfied.
-----------------
Frans:
they used one (1) descent line with no back up.
A single rope is an extremely common caving setup. Hell it's called Single Rope Technique for a reason. The rope was in excellent condition, quite new and well cared for. Backup? A backup rope or a backup anchor? Be more specific.
-----------------
Frans:
The descent line had no edge protection.
Now you're just wasting my time. Loook closely at the photos before you open your mouth. There is protection on the rope over the concrete edge, and rope around the rail on which the backup anchor is tied.
-----------------
Frans:
When they traversed the rotten catwalks, he says how the leader went one way and he decided to go another, and then waited for the possibility to hear his team member's scream if he (team member) fell to his death.
You've chosed to ignore the position of the third (3rd) person in this instance. The direction I travelled was relatively safe. I didn't need any help or spottage. The third person stayed closer to the first person as they crossed the floor. I'm not denying this was very dangerous without a belay, but oh my it must be comfy sitting there in your chair. I'm unconcerned about your opinion of our safety.
-----------------
Frans:
The guy says he 'learned' how to ascend for the first time on this climb.
I had done a lot of rope work, just never ascended. It's child's play for anyone comfortable on a rope. It's a short, single pitch using a full Petzl caving setup, under good supervision and instruction. We're not talking rocket science here pussy cat.
-----------------
Frans:
How much you want to bet that they would go running for help if something went wrong? At what expense?
Congratulations Dr Hypothetical, what if what if what if? You've no idea of the skill levels and self-rescue ability of the other 2 who attended (or myself for that matter) so feel free to sit there and postulate endlessly if that makes you feel superior. We all accepted the risks involved, and didn't expect anyone to be coming after us.
-----------------
Frans:
This narrative also is one of the worst 'ninja' climbs I have seen. Tottally unsafe, no regard for team work, and exposing any potential rescuers to immense personal hazard.
Quit talking out your [censored] about situations you know little about. You know sweet FA about the teamwork involved, or the safety precautions we did take. I'm not denying there are safety precautions we failed to implement but we were all happy with the levels of safety for most of the trip. To comment on teamwork is flat out ignorant. Perhaps if you'd been there I'd take you seriously when you question teamwork.
You're passing judgement on an incomplete exaggerated account written to be more entertaining than informative. There is the famous quote by Theodore Roosevelt which springs to mind right now:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
Enjoy your armchair, I'll be busy learning things for myself and even having a little fun on the way.