> I would be very happy to accept certain restrictions against camping at any of the heavily used sites: LYV, Tuolomne, Trail Camp, etc, or even limited time on the heavily used trail sections, in return for surer access to the full, classic routes.
Definitely a good point, saltydog.
This brings to mind a rule in Yosemite: No camping within 6 miles of any trail head from Tuolumne Meadows. It really screws up my idea of taking my wife and daughter in on a short backpack -- most likely off trail, where I could introduce my daughter to the fun of backpacking. Neither one is capable of a 6-mile hike with a backpack.
There are definitely places we could go in the vicinity of Tuolumne Meadows where we could find an isolated spot, off any meadow growth, in a forested area where our impact would miniscule. We would NOT build a fire, not leave the area obviously used, and leave NO trace. But we can not get a permit.
If I or anyone else wants to do such a trip, they become "shadow", or "secret" campers. Although I have not done this near Tuolumne Meadows, I have in other locations in Yosemite.
I am not sure how a national park Wilderness Plan could accommodate these actions without people overrunning the system, but I sure wish there were a way.