JMT tips for Yosemite to Mammoth ?

[Lumbergh21]

I've never climbed Banner or Ritter, but if traction devices are needed, is it wise to use microspikes? It appears that the slopes are well over 15%, which would indicate that crampons - and a stiff soled shoe with a welt for the crampons to latch onto - are needed if traction devices are needed at all.

I camped at Trinity Lakes in 2015 in order to get into Reds early. It was somewhat buggy even in late July in a drought year, and the edge of the lakes was marshy, at least where I was, though it was late and I didn't have any sun light to go exploring. There were at least two flat sites (once again, it was late, so there were probably other sites, but I wasn't in the mood to go looking around).