It's a way more technical route. Best to go with someone who has been that way before.
By the way, Stan's reply, "
We met a ranger on our way down few weeks back and he said that as long as you have a copy of the permit, it should be fine"
that might work for your group.
Any penalties being caught without permit? (besides shamefully escorted down)
Yeah, there can be a fine included. Never heard from anyone being fined, but people like that never write to tell about it.