But in my experience, the more people the merrier when descending the cables when they are against the rock. Everybody grab the cable about 4 feet apart and raise to chest level, then all walk down backwards in unison. Much easier than a single person going down.

Well, the best way to do the cables, which are the scariest part of the climb by far, is to just keep your harness on and then attach two slings. As you make your way to each bar, move one sling down to the next session and then the other. This way, you are always protected. It takes a bit longer and gets a bit tedious after a while, but it definitely beats killing yourself on the down climb (no climber wants to go out like that!!!).