JHH, I don't follow gear trends at all so you surely know the models better. I was pointing out that something like this would get you up Baldy any time of year, for a lot cheaper than any Trango, and more comfortably too. It's not ideal if you're actually expecting hard neve or ice, so I agree that for a taller peak like Shasta a stiffer boot is a good idea, but I got the impression that wasn't in the offing this winter.
On to Stockwell's latest question: if your boots are comfortable you don't need approach shoes. Consider some kind of sandal for airing your feet out in camp on warm days and/or for wading deep streams, as long as the sandals are *light*. Boots are bulky as well as heavy; carrying them is almost as big a pain as wearing them. Don't multiply your footwear without a good reason. ("Oh, I better bring the double plastics in case there's a freak cold front in southern California...")
(Do air out your feet whenever you stop to rest, and carry extra socks to change into whenever your feet feel clammy. You'll be glad you did.)