There were very few times on our route when we were not on a track, path, trail, forest road or 'shudder' tarmac. It was just a question of linking it all up. The only bit that was really trackless was moel ysgyfarnogod and I defy any human to make a mark on that place!
No one's Dragons Back is valid yet because there is no agreed route. But circumnavigating obvious summits on the running line is what I was objecting to....and the reasons why that became necessary. At no time did I 'pour scorn' on any of the runners efforts. I am only too well aware of how strenuous day 1 had become.
Totally agree that the joy of mountain running is the infinite variability. How many BG attempts have been scuppered because the weather closed in or relentless sun fried the runners into submission. Or cramp, lack of food, injury etc etc??. The route and the time limit to join 'the club' are the measures of success which allows any runner to compare their efforts with others. Planning for the variables are all part and parcel of doing it.
So, why not have a running time limit for DB over an agreed route? All the other variables will be challenge enough!