With regard to Kyle's original question, I'm in the camp that would argue that if one "stumbles" onto a set of tracks that leads one to a new skiing destination posting that information probably doesn't respect the individual that went to the work of finding said destination.
As for me if I find a set of tracks in the general direction of my destination more often than not I'll go in a different direction both for my own benefit and to give others space in the out of doors.
On the broader question, I find myself aligned with Lowell and Jim Oker. I think it boils down to why one backcountry skiis (and maybe posts) in the first place. For me backcountry skiing is about far more than a set of turns. It is about being out in nature and it is about the kind of adventure that is associated with natural experiences. If I wanted lots of tracks, a generally hectic experience, and crowds of people, I'd go to a ski area. Since I've only skied in a ski area perhaps 15 or so times in the past 25 years, that is clearly not what drives me. I don't seek out risk, but accept some level of background risk, so in being introspective, I don't really see how ego, elitism, etc. really has anything to do with it. To me the idea that ego has much to do with backcountry skiing seems laughable. But I am driven to adventure which I define for myself as seeking out the unknown and trying to connect with nature on it's own terms. The latter requires a skill set based on experience and I enjoy applying that skill set (which is about the limit of my ego's involvement in this pursuit). I love finding new places, and yes, sometimes those efforts result in a failed trip, if any trip can truly be a failure. Such an experience provides a shared laugh and some humorous memories for years to come. Those kinds of efforts, most successful but some failed, and the requisite effort of perusing maps and observing terrain while out and about are rewarding to me.
I don't wish to find people in all of those special places that give me a great feeling something on the order of being home.
So, I don't post destinations but believe that most anyone could find most of those destinations if they chose to put out the effort. It's kind of neat to still have aspects of life in this bizzare world where everything isn't handed out to one on a gold plate.
I do believe strongly in posting/communicating (sometimes I'll just call the Avalanche Center) observations that are pertinent and especially unexpected with regard to backcountry safety. I believe that is a social responsibility. I'm also more than willing to help those that are just starting out with reasonable destinations for them to try out.
