I've received one more response from a Pinns regular; this one also thinks that the proposed rappel stations are a good idea.
And Larry Arthur replied and wanted me to post his reply. Here it is in full (not in a quote box - it's too long, and the quote boxes use a font size that is too small):
"Thanks for the heads up - and taking this question to the community. Here is my long winded opinion (which is why I rarely have time to post anything other than on MountainTools.com). Please share it in total.
As mentioned before, I consider Old Original to be a scramble of moderate difficulty (not a rock climb per se) and have always thought it a good terrain for aspiring mountaineers to learn and practice the craft - in a friendly environment devoid of common hazards that exist in the alpine (ice, slippery snow, lightning and related weather). This is what first attracted me. It is Pinnacles' "sidewalk in the sky" as someone well before us had described... An ice axe and crampons nor rock shoes are needed and Old Original is accessible year 'round - how cool is that?!
Years ago (decades probably) I removed an ill conceived and poorly positioned string of rappel anchors that led down the Machete descent gully. The drill dust was fresh and I could easily see the benefit of the rappels (security) was seriously outweighed by the risk of self-generated rock fall and hung up ropes (what a pain to have to hike back up and free a rope snagged on a knob or bush). After all it was an easy walk - including the loose gravel and small rocks - that a "mountaineer" quickly learns to avoid. Weeks later on another excursion across the "sidewalk in the sky" I repaired the anchor at the top of the Hide Out and removed all the bolts and filled the holes restoring the character of the descent. BTW - these were not the first bolts to be placed for the descent or in the descent gully - Originally, the rap off the ridge was anchored to slings around the square block (then bolts were added) and 3/4s of the way down there was a SMC hangered single bolt (rock right on a little buttress - near an oak tree) just above the down climb section. The bolt (as well as the tree) had been used by some to secure a doubled rope for a hand line or body rappel (other mountaineer techniques) while descending. At this point, most would want to face into the rock and use both hands and feet for security - on Class 3 terrain. Also the 2 or 3 bolts placed on Barber's Backside - were installed primarily to access to the top of the ridge directly above the Machete Direct finish - part of a rescue "pre-plan" we concocted one year - either with Ranger Pete Armington or Ken Phillips. Later, Ken and I rapped the Direct and crow-barred off loose flakes (one huge flake "traditionally" marked with chalk sparked the campaign), removed an errant pair of belay bolts (on the last pitch) and an off route quarter incher. We carried a broom too - and swept debris off some ledges while Clarence took cover below & kept the "landing zone" tourist free. Constructive cleaning? At least the loose rock was less likely to kill anyone now.
Couple of the skills important for the developing mountaineer is terrain assessment and knowing when to employ the rope or not - going up (or down). This is something most often learned by experience but best learned from a mentor or guide (I learned the hard way, then became a guide). Many factors contribute to this judgement - some objective and some subjective. Old Original is one of my favorite stretch-of-the-legs (I take a skinny rope for the rappels) and also a great introduction to mountaineering for all climbers - who benefit from discussing strategy, tactics, route-finding, managing risks & placing protection - while enjoying an excellent view. This route's character is a bit different compared to more difficult ("higher" Class) "routes" that "merely" rely on spotting the next bolt (or set thereof) and mustering the strength and climbing prowess to clip them. Mountaineering (and trad gear routes) can be terrifically entertaining - I like the problem solving, improvisation & gear use... and they provide me lasting memories.
Your Machete Descent (p310) gives a good report - "downclimb a slab 30 feet to a meadow (fourth class)". It suggests a belay may be desired. This and other points along the route have traditionally been down climbed yet (under certain circumstances) could warrant short roping a partner, employing a hand line for balance, impromptu butt belay or even improvised anchor and stance belay - as decided by the climbers based upon their experience and skill and factored by the conditions of the day (light/dark, dry/wet, rested/tired, etc). In other words, not all descents (even technical rock climbs) require a full blown rappel - with anchor, harness, carabiner and rappel gizmo. Other examples would be the chimney down climb from Badman's Mezzanine to the rap stations below... or from Escape from Soledad or down the Hand-Thumb notch. These all seem about the same to me and mostly if not always descended without a rope. Deploying a rope and rappelling takes time - daylight this time of year (as does recoiling the rope). It does not necessarily reduce total risk or increase security for the day's adventure... and rappelling on "easy" terrain can lead to other hassles.
I do have a nit to pick about mention of the rappel slings on the LNP tree below the Machete descent gully and the "possible to descend from this tree by way of long two-rope rappel" - which (by mere mention) has a negative affect of encouraging some to consider rapping from this point and damaging the moss, lichen and succulent wall below. The tree is an "attractive nuisance" and (for some) provides the illusion that "being on a rope" is preferable to finding one's way on non-technical terrain. Better would be to install a small weather-proof sign "Do not rap from tree, continue across meadow to easy rock traverse & trail." This would be a good service project, reminder to all and aid to first-timers finding their way. Again - leave it up to the leader and follower(s) to determine if encouragement, a spot, or rope set up of some type is necessary to cross the last easy rock and hand traverse.
Thanks for taking this to the MudNCrud community and stimulating discussion. I'm certain that all will give careful consideration to your question and proposal and the best ideas will prevail.
Happy Holidays and Best Climbing,
Larry"
