I've tried dropping to the path much earlier - it brought me back out with the same group I had been with who took a higher line shortly before where the good path levels off before beginning the climb up to the hause. (and handily at a good water source). I've never hugged the base of the crags but have tried a more direct line up the steep bank to meet the path higher up. That was a tough steep climb, I prefer the easier longer route up the path.