[Tishabet]

Well, let me preface my answer witht he fact that
A) I've never been good enough to guide an everest-class mountain
and
B) I've definitely never had a "client" with 70k.

I think "weekend warrior" is a pretty loose term, and since I work as a computer geek during the week, I suppose it comewhat applies to me now. But I think I know what you're getting at. I don't think resentment is quite the right word; I think everyone should be able to enjoy the rgeat outdoors. However, my real gripe is with clients/amateurs or whoever who have a know-it-all attitude and aren't considerate of other people. That's equally appicable for a weekend backpacking trip as any mountaineering route.
As far as minimum standards and skills, I think the onus is upon the guides. I mean, I would never get a client into a situation from which they couldn't extricate themselves. But I think when it comes to big money clients wanting to bag a name-brand peak, they don't want to learn how to become a good or competent mountaineer. They just want to say they've been on the top of whetever mountain and have a picture to prove it. And there are guides out there who will do that for them. I personally have no problem telling a potential client that I don't want to guide them. In one instance, I told a guy, after about 6 hours of climbing, that we were heading down and I'd give him his money back, and I did. The guy just wasn't listening to me, and I didn't feel safe with him. The fact is, when there's a huge sum of money at stake, most guides will take the risk.