I'd much rather rappel (or abseil as we British call it) than use a wire rope ladder, supposing I had the proper harness etc. I have some experience as a rock climber, and I feel more secure with the rope. With the ladder you'd be relying on your own unaided brute strength to cling on. I have a mild fear of heights so I'd find it very hard to let go of the top rung in order to grip the second from top. I reckon abseiling would be quicker even allowing for time to put on the harness.