Toproping, absolutely. Use you own quickdraws. But lowering off? These anchors are designed for precisely that. If they're worn, they need replacing. If they wear super quickly due to traffic, consider more approriate anchors. Lee (from safercliffs.org)

Well said, Lee.

I think the original intent was that if the anchor looks like the one in the picture, consider using a bail biner to rap off. That is pretty scary worn, and I would hesitate even rapping off that.

Lee, lowering off vs. rap, lower off the anchors, all the dirt in your rope cuts like saw. Save the anchor and wear and tear on your rope and the anchors will last much longer, rap off. Some people are TOO lazy.

Gotta go with Lee here. The anchors shown here are specifically designed to be lowered off of - not rappeled from. Why else do you think there is a gate on the top? As Lee notes, if they wear super quickly due to traffic, consider other anchors (i.e. quicklinks/chain).

Also, considering Lee signed his comment "from safercliffs.org" - a little research shows that "Safer Cliffs Australia is a non-profit voluntary organization of climbers who maintain the safety of rock climbing areas in Australia". I would say he is far from being part of the problem....

Edited to add:
Regarding these anchors though - I do think a design flaw on Fixe's part was to design these anchors to be lowered off - but not design them to be more easily replaced. The hooks shown here though are an improvement over a style (also Fixe) that I saw in Owens River where the hook was connected to a welded ring requiring the whole setup to need to be replaced. See here www.mountainproject.com/v/california/sierra_eastside/bishop_>>>

That is right, they were designed for that. The anchor will LAST LONGER! if you rap off them. 1st time I climbed at Red Rocks NV, many of top anchors where just like the photo it was sickening.

Just think about it, a climber rapping off vs lowering 100 to 200+ lb climber lowering through the the anchors over and over, vs. pulling a rope through, with all the dirt and gravel.

And I do agree that a link, chain or ss ring, are better. I still rap off to save wear and tear on anchor, someone spent a lot of time and $$$ on anchors.

I think it's totally fine to toprope or lower from these things - as long as YOU are the one that will replace the anchors when they are worn - long before they get to this point. If not, just rappel - it's actually really easy and safe, there isn't a good reason not to. We can't forget that people die doing this sport.

Regardless, you should strive to rap whenever possible. It makes the anchors last a LOT longer, and your belayer can do other things.

Yes, rap off anchors. The problem with lowering and toproping off anchors should be obvious from the picture irregardless of what you think they were designed for. There is no one who carries the responsibility to replace these anchors even when they "should be replaced". They only get replaced out of the goodness of someone's heart. So, have a heart and don't abuse the anchors, and they will last longer.

@boulder irregardles is not a word.