When I was an avid climber, the consensus was, “Those who free solo, die by free solo.” So I think this isn’t an unpopular opinion, given non-climbers got to think it’s stupid. I think it’s just we love to spectate on that risky adventure.
Personally I have never and won’t in the future ever climb free solo but I joined people do it and my heart was racing like crazy. Imagine wittnessing a death. In my personal opinion it’s stupid. People do it because they think it makes them special. Having some type of safety measures wouldn’t effect the sport.
Does he still do free solos? If yes, he has children and a wife. That is the point where I have no respect for him or any other person. If you only got yourself and no family - fine. Do whatever. But if you have a family and people down there that love you - why should you continue to do that? You don’t need to feel more alive. You already proved the world you can and it’s okay. Instead he still goes up there without safety eventhough safety measures exist - for a reason.
If someone can climb what this dude can climb I wouldn’t have less respect for what he achieved just because he has a rope attached to him. I personally couldn’t care less. He can climb with a rope and if he falls start again until he finishes the climb without a drop and call it a day. Maybe his family members could then go in a Sauna during his climb instead of living in anxiety during his climb.
But well, I understand it. You feel alive blablabla. It’s like playing hardcore in action role play games but well, those are just games and if you die fine start again. This brings me to my next critic: if you fall, someone is going to have to clean you up. Thats not fair. I’m glad no one I love solo free climbs or does any other extreme sport and if I knew someone who does it on a regular basis that I love I would try to love this person less so the loss in case an accident happens won’t hurt as much.
Anyways great climber. In my eyes it’s still pathetic because he doesn’t need to prove he can do those climbs without a rope…