Has anyone ever done this without stepping left of the crack to escape the final, smooth-looking bulge? If so, how hard does this go? At a glance, it looks pretty unclimbable, and the steparound is there and obviously good.

Its been several years since I've done it. I stepped left the first time I ever did it, but later considered it as a chick out, and then had always done the most direct way to the anchors. Would like to give better beta but its escaping my mind. Have to make another trip east.

thanks - that's ok i'll do without the beta for now, just wanted to know whether i should bother to attempt it next time i'm up there

retribution is fun to set up on toprope. i haven't grown tired of it yet, and i've been up it several times.

If you do it on toprope you can give yourself the beta. After all, toprope don't count.

i have no desire to lead 5.10, thanks.