Did you try those 5.9's in EB's? Or were you wearing the old boots? I've got a relatively new pair of 5.10's (climbing shoes) that feel like cheating even compared to the EB's! Surprisingly, they are size 14 laugh. I feel lucky ... my criteria for picking out climbing shoes was that they big enough to fit my feet! Thank goodness I can get them resoled later and I may have a buyer for my old EB's.

I know for a long time, 5.9 was assigned to the hardest routes. I have been going up the Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks whenever I get a chance lately. Lots of history with that place. Interesting stuff to read about.