The fire tower has been restored and you can climb it again
There are several shorter ways up Glastenbury, but they require more navigational skill than just following white blazes:
* Old route of Long Trail due S from Goddard Shelter
* Hike woods road shown on USGS map to W shoulder
* Hike ATV trail from Macintyre shown on USFS version of USGS map
* Hike ATV trail from E (haven't done this personally)
There was an article in the Appalachian Trailway News a few years ago about a couple who did the AT as day hikes, Glastenbury was one of the longest and midway they met 2 rangers who came in one of the short cuts!