There are real people on the other side as well. Don't forget them.

I'll give you some food for thought.

During WW2 Allies bombed 3rd reich's weapon factories, and occupied French cities. A lot of civilians died, really a lot.

Do you think semi-enslaved German citizens working in 3rd reich's weapon factories wanted any much less to have these factories bombed?

Do you think French under German occupation wanted any much less to have British bomb the occupied cities?

No, survivors recall it seeing occupation government buildings bombed the most joyful moments, which led a lot of people to regain their spirits, and join the resistance.

That's "else" used as an adverb, not a conjunction. Author is talking about the latter.

Very nice little story and good advice, but I think most of us feel that completely disregarding others is not always the best solution. It really is a exploration vs exploitation problem.

You mean 'looking at' versus 'using'. But it should be 'and' not 'versus' i.e., always taking the wider view by looking at what effects the 'using' has on its environment of which we are all part.

In my understanding it adds to the mental challenge aspect of rock climbing. Think of it as adding difficulty rather than introducing risk. Therefore it could be argued it does enhance the achievement.