Here is a good thread to follow the situation, including info by the rescue team members themselves:
http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/616247/page/1/fpart/1
Sounds like the guys WERE experienced climbers and as long as they were not seriously injured and kept their wits about them, they could have dug snow caves and wait it out until weather conditions improve. People have survived for surprisingly long periods of time in well constructed snow caves as long as they had sufficient food and the ability to stay warm. From anecdotal evidence, it seems as if the guys did have warm sleeping bags and bivy sacks to keep dry. It's not known how much fuel or food they had, but they had been planning for a quick ascent, so it's not likely they took lots of food. But look at the Kims - they survived more than a week and they weren't even what you'd call experienced at wilderness survival - nor did they have the tools for that survival. In a snow cave, the temp can get above freezing due to body heat and respiration, so they could melt snow in there for liquid without a stove. A person can survive for several weeks without food as long as they're not undertaking strenuous activity.
Way too soon to write them off.
I really do admire your optimism and knowledge.
My opinions and concerns are those of a couch potato.
keep the faith randita and thank you for your links
sp