Whew! Because that discussion, although entertaining, would likely get tedious.

Or logs, or rocks, or even leaves...

And that's a damn shame. I personally hate trail sanitization, however well intentioned, even more than equine poaching. But somewhere between sustainability and fun there are compromises that have to be made, both in new construction and in maintenance. Each of those compromises is best evaluated on a case by case basis by an experienced, responsible trail builder. Probably what I should have first responded to the OP is "if you don't know what you're doing, then don't! Join your local club and do it the right way or learn to ride better."

Me too - I love my mattock.