My take on the stoke vs info question relates to what I come to this site for: Information.
In the early and late season, I want to know what approach conditions and snow coverage are like. How far can I drive in? Is there enough snow to be worth the trip? A TR with an accurate verbal description of approach conditions and some photos of the "stoke zone" (or part of the mountain that draws you for making turns) give this info clearly.
In mid season (late Dec through early April) I am looking for snow pack stability information and skiability. Even though a TR with pit information or other test info may not apply directly to a route or time I choose for my own trip, the information adds data points to my accumulated seasonal snowpack knowledge and "snow sense." A few "stoke" photos gives me instant information about the skiablity (as in conditions are only as good as the last six inches) which can determine where to plan a tour and how much terrain I can expect to be able to cover. And of course with the ever growing ranks of backcountry skiers out there, TRs give me an idea of what has already been skied and where I might find fresh tracks...
The rest of the chatty stuff about friends, dogs, not having to work, social events in the back country, etc. are just so much noise I have to weed through. That being said, I tolerate it as a price of getting people to post, because with out them there would be no information with which to plan or fantasize. I just wish more people would provide the basics along with the personal, as it is getting noisier this season...
