I think one of the things people leave out about the MR is the slog. Some folks think it's a scramble/climb all the way from the Mountaineer's Chute. Once you're about halfway up, get ready for a mind numbing slog on very loose talus like what you just described. Two steps up, one step back. Try to stay on the granite to the left as much as possible to avoid this. I suppose the slog up to the East Ridge of Russell will be worse, but we'll see. After the that slog, you'll look forward to the hard granite at the final 400.
EDIT: Since I've already thread jacked Burchey's post enough, might as well ask you this, and I'm sure other board members may be interested. Have you considered doing a bronze sculpture of Whitney/the needles? I'd buy one if the price is right. Can't seem to find anything similar online.
