Bee,
I started doing this stuff mid in life and I am a bit more cautious than most because of it. This goes a long way to explain why I did not do the spring ascent I've wanted to do a long time until I had 4 years of experience using axe and crampons.
1. Tracks...In May 2007 the glissade was trackless. We came back at about 2 PM and went down the slope until escaped the shade, then glissaded for about 800 vertical feet. The most times a track is used the slicker it is...and the less control you have.
2. Luxury...I don't know. I guess it depends what is the budget. They moved New Army Pass trail over about 5' to 10' through Horseshoe Meadow a few years ago. That seemed to be to an unnecessary luxury to me at the time.
