I didn't think you were being discouraging at all! If I conveyed that, it was only because I inadvertently hit "reply" to the wrong post--didn't mean to reply to your post, which I personally thought was helpful and realistic.
Dana remains one of my favorite summits ever. I think I have a trip report around here somewhere.
Aha!
http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/26607/Re_Mt_Dana_A_Weekend_Warrior_s