Hey Charles, pole gaffs (and sharp ones at that) are not something to be believed in, they are something to be tried. It's easy to climb even a 4x4 with them because the rest of your boot is down so close to the object you are climbing. I frequently have two or three points of contact on each foot. The gaff, and boot on one side of gaff or both sides. I have a set of pole and tree climbers with me most of the time but pole gaffs is what I do 95% of my spur climbing on.
Also most of the time just walking up the tree sets the gaff, even just walking up a 4x4. Find someone that has a nice set to try out. I still wonder if Climbrights dont have a bulkier profile which matters to a deep solid set of the gaff as you climb. Heck power pole climbers even opt for polished pole gaffs to get the smooth steel to help with a better set.
Fun to see your still working it forward.