There are ways to hike the PCT and avoid the crowds.
As a PCT section hiker I can vouch for this method for avoiding the crowds. That's my experience anyway. Also the advantage of being able to pick the best time of year for a particular section. I hiked Tahoe to Yosemite a few years ago and saw 8 total backpackers in almost 200 miles! This was late August into September. Seems to be way fewer folks later in the year. On the Tehachipi Pass/Walker Pass Section I saw no one at all. I did this in April before the through hiker bunch.
As an older hiker (65) I carry what I'm comfortable with and keep my mileage per day enjoyable.

Don