I'll just put in my plug here for permits for specific time-slots...
I am certain they could allocate hundreds more permits if they would specify some permits only for an 8-10 a.m. period to start up the cables, with similar slots (10-12, 12-2, 2-4, and maybe any other time.)
You would have people starting up super early (just like Whitney), or quite late, but happy to be able to get up to the top.
Doing that would resolve the crowding issues, yet still allow large numbers of people access to that beloved spot.
