Thanks, Jim. That's a nice, simple, graphic explanation that covers what, to me, are the two critical criteria for any load: a) is it suitable for the conditions you expect to encounter? and b) is it as light as possible from the selection of suitable gear?

You've also touched, in passing, on another critical issue of trip planning: don't rely completely on what anyone else thinks or tells you, regardless of how experienced or trustworthy they might be; in the end, you are responsible for you own safety and comfort, and shouldn't completely subordinate your judgment to them. (You can use others to inform, but not make, your decisions.)