But I still cannot see how a vertical chain can possibly bring any route automatically to Class 2 per definition of Class 2. It is not a railing, and it is not a foot plank. It is an assist like a rope would be an assist, but not beyond that. Would you consider approaches with vertical ropes Class 2 just based on the presence of the ropes? Perhaps I am misreading the YDS, but it doesn't compute to me. Am I the only one with doubts here? Let me quote Class 2 and 3 again here:
source:
http://www.climber.org/data/decimal.html
class 2
* cross country, requiring route finding skills
* cross-country, using hands for balance
* hiking trail (goes with class 1 is a bike path)
* difficult cross-country travel (thick brush, climbing over and around fallen trees, and big talus - hands are used for balance)
* the trail is either non-existant or very uneven or intermittent and you may need to put your hand down once in a while for balance
class 3
* scrambling on rocks using hands as well as feet
* requires use of hands for climbing, rope may be used
* I need my hands but might survive a fall
* hands? Maybe. (goes with class 1 is a bike path)
* rope is necessary only to provide comfort
* MUST use your hands for progress but don't need to search for holds nor do you need Real Rock Climbing(TM) techniques
RJ Secor quips:
* Class 1: you fall, you're stupid.
* Class 2: you fall, you break your arm.
* Class 3: you fall, you break your leg.
* Class 4: you fall, you are almost dead (i.e., you can't breath and move your arms, legs, and head).
* Class 5: you fall, you are dead.
According to the above definitions, it would be a serious stretch to place them even in Class 3, let alone 2. Are there "more official" definitions anywhere?