Amoungst climbers , how significant was this climb?
Ask Ken Boche. While I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a Doper, you’re more likely to find him in Climber’s Forum.
Not being a Real Climber (though I did spend some times in Yosemite, nothing serious except the Rotten Log when it had a log) I just think it’s amazing. Especially since the hardware had been removed.
There’s already a long thread on this climb - Yosemite's El Capitan - the first free climb of Dawn Wall - Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share - Straight Dope Message Board
I’m not a climber myself, but it appears that most climbers appreciate the effort, skill, endurance, and planning that went into such a huge and difficult endeavor. There are some folks who’ve expressed that the climb doesn’t have style.