Assuming the Risks
When you fall to some earlier placed gear, there could be ten or more feet of dead space beneath you. If you fall from such a height and swing (or "whip" as climbers call it) into the rock, you might get pretty injured. But, if your equipment fails or your belayer drops you altogether, it's probably the end for you. Over 24 climbers died in the year 2000 alone, and while technology has improved and rock climbers have become more knowledgeable and preventative, it's still pretty dangerous to be up that high.
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