“until a helicopter rescue team risks their lives for them and their great accomplishment “
Yes, because rescue helicopter pilots are drafted and despise their work. They resent being called out.
Thrill seekers with outdoor gear are just self indulgent self centered spoiled brats. They frame a pointless exercise that most anyone fit with some training could do but has not yet chosen to do (over 4000 people have scaled Mt. Everest for example, including the blind and disabled - not exactly an elite club), add some risk factor to make it newsworthy, and then expose themselves, their families, and the rescuers who inevitably help them to unnecessary risks.
If it is a personal journey, why are there press releases, reportage, and weblogs to promote themselves? I would much rather lionize persons who deserve it.
I have no place for them.