Being a lineman I climb poles for a living .We were taught when I was an upstart apprentice to free climb(no safetyaround the pole)until you got to your destination,then safety off.We where also taught how to hitchhike up a pole safety strapped around the pole as you asscend or descend.Mike the system you speak of is called three point contact and should always be used.It is ironic that you guys mention the prusic knot with the fall line,this year I made a couple of these for a couple of my stands and found that to slide the knot it is very difficult to do unless you used both hands.Badshotbob youre idea sounds like an excellent one that if done right would make you a lot of money.I think of these kind of things too.One of the most dangerous things about climbing is when you safety off and on like when going over obstructions and branches,thats when many climbing accidents happen.I always wear my safety when I get into my stand.Sometims when I climb to my treestands I will wear a safety all the way up.Bill D>