Ive been climbing quite a while but just found out about rec. climbing. I was an arborist for over 12 years and for the last 4 or 5 used the split tail system. I've been reading the board and have seen people talking about the down side of split tail being multiple carabiner attachments. In the normal system why use an 8 on a bight(as in the video) instead of an 8 follow through. The 8 follow through would mean no carabiner connections, and you could still easilly add a mini pulley as a knot tender.
The basic tree climbing video is a great tool i'm glad i bought it to see how everybody is getting started.
Thanks.....Dannyc

Good question. I think it's because rec climbers frequently double-crotch and repitch in the tree to advance the rope so clipping and unclipping with a biner is more efficient than untying and retying an F8 follow through. The follow through is good for the minimalist climbing setup.
-moss