Thanks Tim, it seems people are Not doing their research, and allow themselves to believe they'll be able to handle it. Until, they get on a steep, hard-ice slope and realize their feet could slide out from under them with any step.
As you mentioned, these rescue folks are risking their lives, (training or not), because many hikers figure "I'll just use my cell phone", and be whisked away to safety. Those SAR's folks have to down-climb some serious terrain and conditions to reach them, and the helo pilot has to hover over tall tress, steep cliffs, usually windy conditions, (not to mention potential for poor visibility). Yes, they are hired, or in RMRU's case, volunteer to do this, but it's still very irresponsible for people to place them in danger because they didn't do even basic research on this climb.
It still begs the question about charging, (a topic discussed here for years), but it makes me wonder if people realize they won't be charged, do they take the potential risk with less real consideration.
I remember a number of years back, SAR's placed a few folks on the last climb of Skyline and at the top, on a busy weekend, to help keep hikers from getting lost, or into a bad situation, but this takes resources and lots of patience, (come to think of it, it may have been during the hotter months they did this).
Makes me wonder if a strongly worded sign at the bottom, (on both Museum tr. & south end of N Lykken, end of Ramon Rd), would do some good, (but it also broadcasts this trail for those not familiar).
I also wonder if after each rescue, a series of questions could be asked, "How to do you hear the trail, What info was given from that source, did you consider turning around, etc.
Be safe out there and enjoy the wilderness, scott