Poles certainly give an advantage uphill.
I think they're dangerous - imagine 200 fell runners all running with poles. Someone's eye out for sure!
I had a Pole do my wall papering in my old house - it was good!
I've got know problems with them.
...there's a hill nearby missing its fool...
I dont know where it says "walking sticks" or "ski Poles" are banned. I think the fact that all your mates and fellow runners would take the p*ss non stop and make a point of beating you to the 'top' everytime you used them. They've been using them on the continent for years and it hasn't caught on because of the traditional mickey taking sense of humour of the Brits. I remembered some photos I'd seen from the Sky Buff Runner series so I dug a couple up. Incidentally I dont recall seeing anybody carrying them downhill? These two are from the Dolomites race on the 24th July 2005. Click on them for a larger version.
Oh and I wouldn't mind using a set comming down grassy bank at Ben. As I'm right at the back and on my ars* by then I would be past caring who took the p*ss. Anyone want to carry some to the top for me?