I totaly agree that drugs (Diamox) is not a substitute for proper aclimatization as well. FYI I was the only one in our team of 4 using Diamox. Even with this being the case my aclimatization process followed the same as the rest of the group and was in line with the scedules that the guided teams were using. Our summit day was on day 13 of our trip. I even met a few climbing groups that were not taking Diamox that had a summit day scedule that was 2 or 3 days quicker than ours. The only thing you said that I feel is not appropriate and I took offense to is your suggestion that I or anyone else should not have been climbing Aconcagua if they need Diamox. I didn't necesarily need Diamox, I choose to take as do thousands of other climbers. I took it in case that little boost made the difference.
On another note and even further off topic
One group of seven Japanesse climbers was chased down the day before by high winds and sent home.. They had guides and porters setting up their high tents and all they ever carried were day packs. Aconcagua shouldn't be a mountain that you can just buy and I was actually happy they failed trying to do just that. Saw a German guy that only had an Arcteryx light primiloft jacket for summit day. I am an Arcteryx junkie also but there primilot jacket is no substitute for a down parka. These are the kind of people who should not be attempting Aconcagua not those taking Diamox.
As for the trip. Woooohooooo!!
Luckily I have an exgirl friend from Russia who is going back next summer. hmmm... I wonder where this could lead...
Jeff