Yes: my understanding is that getting your wind back is about hemoglobin and oxygen, but I was also under the impression that the mechanism of Diamox is the same as what triggers that part of acclimation. I no longer think that is the case. As a matter of fact, it took 5 days before I was not struggling by mid afternoon and 10 before I was kicking ass at my sea level pace. About the same as I remember from going to summer camp, where the first high country backpack trips were after about 10 days of day hiking at 7800-8500.
But my conclusion is the same as yours: Diamox may help with AMS, but it does not apparently accelerate general acclimation/acclimatization. I will definitely take this into account on my next High Sierra trip: just get in shape get above 6000 or so ASAP, and take it easy for the first couple of days. that's why I love the High Sierra Trail: it starts at abut 6700 and only goes to 8300 in the first 18 miles or so, before up and over Kaweah Gap. As opposed to either the Whitney or Yos end of the JMT, where there is no avoiding a steep start.
