Very interesting read Alan - thanks for re-posting. All in all, I think Bob's final analysis is the most logical - the chance of being struck by lightning is extremely low, especially if common sense is activated. People however naturally fret over ths prospect, especially with as much attention as it gets in the Whitney permit flyers, web info, etc.
Going high into the Sierra, or any other backcountry destination, entails varying degrees of real danger. I guess if you want to be super-safe, you pack up a heavy rubber bivy . . .
