Good point Mr. Bird, every climber doesn't have to redundantly carry everything needed to perform rescue, light weight gear philosophy is preserved.
-mossy

Hunabku bring the lightweight gear and performs a rescue using everyone elses gear.

My take on the lightweight approach: "Knowledge weighs nothing."

So, think right now, how can you add friction to your descending system using what you already carry or have equipped? Is there any technique you know or can learn which will replace bringing extra equipment?

Extra carabiner on the leg strap? hold the rope on the hip? run the rope under your rear? wrap the rope once around your leg?

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In regards to the team's familiarity with the climbing system, it seems like this depends a fair amount on trust. With some climbers I trust that they will climb safely, and figure out a way to rescue me if necessary. I know that they have the knowledge, skills and methods to do so. Other climbers I know are safe when using a particular system, but I wouldn't trust them be able to see the system for it's components and modify or build a new one if an emergency situation dictates it.

Competent technical tree climbers see the tools of a system and can adapt them if necessary. Some of these tools are in their head.

Well said, Oak. These are comments worth printing out and hanging on a wall!