Beverly,
I think you've summarized this perfectly. In the days before hiking boards and instant communication with anyone, winter skiing and and hiking up the road and onto the Lakes was never an issue. First, 'cause relatively few folks did it, and second, not many folks were even aware of it.
Neil did nothing wrong by asking the question. But by asking Tony to take an official position on inviting-in who-knows how many people who read the Board, the risk is that it becomes a "formal NO".
Speaking just for myself, I kind of wish we weren't soliciting an answer in such public place. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the reply is the the AMR really doesn't mind, but am concerned.
PB