"The 46" is the 46 climbed by the Marshalls and Herb Clark
A lot do climb this peak. No one really cares, and it's basically a matter of personality. Some "must" climb it.
The route from the Hunter Pond side is beautiful, and was quite thick when we did it. Supposedly there is a more defined herdpath now.
If you really wanted to climb the list down to Couchy, I think there is another 16 that you could include. Of course, you could also just climb the ones that are 4000' or higher, which would be 42. Remember, there are thousands of climbers who have climbed all 46, are 46ers, but who didn't feel like submitting the materials and documentation to the 46ers office to become an offically numbered 46er. In the end, your inner climbing companion will probably make the choice for you!