You don't think there's a societal benefit from risk taking? People who climb mountains and those who launch new businesses are different only in the way they choose to pursue their passion. You could try to prevent risky activities, but on the whole that will result in a net loss to society.
If it hasnt been done before, and the guaranteed benefit to society is obvious, then go for it. I love to celebrate the achievements of brave individuals as much as the next person does.
You fail to address the question of what benefits we were to gain from the three climbers we are talking about on this thread. What scientific data were they prepared to gather? As I pointed out, and you choose to ignore, is that it has been done many times. There climb wasnt inspired by a desire to further knowledge. It was am attempt at self-gratification. Plain & Simple.