I climbed it in 2004 and regretted it. The going up was fine, but going down, I felt it was above my skills at the time as a basic hiker. The granite was slick even dry, particularly in the lower third section. I felt fortunate nothing happened. It was a learning experience for me.
I know exactly what you mean. My wife and I dayhiked HD in '08. Going up - no big deal. Going down - at the limit of my ability. Thank God that I bought good rope gloves to grip the cable.
