Well, that does seem to be a bit of a boob with the fall factor thing.
But I don't see what you're getting at with
And belay loops are for belaying - not for tying into...so not quite a "maintenance" issue...
The article seems to me to suggest that care of your gear (which must include regular inspection for wear and tear surely?) is a good idea. The fact that one should be vigilant for wear and tear on the belay loop was certainly brought home by Skinner's death, no? Isn't visual inspection for damage part of 'maintenance'?
<pedant> Edit - oh, and people don't necessarily always belay from their belay loop (sometimes you might use the rope loops) and you do sometimes use a belay loop for tying in (on the middle of the rope for example). </pedant>
Is this the excuse I need to buy that new harness I have been eyeing up then. With a bit of effort I am sure I can find some thing wrong with mine , appart from the fact it gets twisted every time I put it on and drives me mad although its lovley once on right.
