It's easy to second guess after the fact.
Yeah, I know, far too easy. My 'mental map' reflects the Rocky Mountains -- essentially a different planet -- thus my questions may not be relevant. Every mountain range has its moods and its absolutes; I defer to your knowledge of the area.
If the cliff didn't show on the topo, that makes their last-ditch move understandable.
But most importantly, they all got out. A win is a win, period.