Yep, the drawbacks are many. The lift layout is just plain bad. I understand the challenges posed with such a large area, in terms of footprint, but the fact that the mountain relies on ridge top lifts to get from state to state makes it a pain in the ass on windy days. A low fixed grip chair from Sky Meadows to the top of the gondola would be ideal, and I guess has been talked about.
I have a friend who used to head one of the ski patrols out there and recently moved back east. He has very similar thoughts on Heavenly as a whole. He's also a guy that showed me numerous areas/runs known only to "locals," so to speak and he brought me outside fire break my first time.
I agree, Jed, with those two lifts being closed much of the time, it can be a real pain in the ass given there is some awesome terrain there.
I think I like the fact that when there is good snow, I can literally ski anywhere and just explore, which can include some very technically challenging terrain.
Mott is great for chutes and trees, but not my favorite area for trees on the mountain. I like the contained pod with its' own lift, but for the life of me, can't figure out whey they would put it a lift that isn't long enough to cover all the gates. It makes no sense at all. The master plan has a longer lift that is to address that problem, but the same plan called for a replacement of Galaxy 6-7 years ago with a Northbowl upgrade for the following year. Damned recession!
I honestly don't know anyone who skis Killebrew for trees, but there may be a couple tree routes. The chutes in Killebrew are no joke - as technically challenging as anything else I've skied in the basin. Not counting anything with mandatory air.
And then there are the side country options, which I don't recommend unless you have someone with you who is extremely knowledgeable of the surrounding woods. On good snow years the side country vertical east of Killebrew is immense.