The numbers in post #2 really tell the story of how many people are climbing Everest. And it looks like those numbers are just the summits and not the attempts.
There's got to be so much litter and detrius on that mountain by now. I imagine some day it will be closed off.
I have read many books on Everest & my opinion is that westeners & europeans have exploited Everest, sherpas & mountaineering itself for their own selfish reasons. The mountain is littered with garbage that could of & should of been brought back. The idea of people w/no experience putting themselves & others at risk by paying $65,000+ to climb a mountain they have no business being on is appalling.
Rienhold Messner had it right with the philosophy of "by fair means". When I see what Mallory & Irving did compared to todays Bloated Expeditions I just chuckle and roll my eyes. No awe here guys.......