I am curious what that longest time gap you had between meeting anyone else along the route.
I am in the dreaming stage of a 2016 ride from Alaska to Argentina and working through different alternatives of crossing the US, Mexico, Central America, Peru, Argentina/Chile, etc. The Great Divide is rather intriguing possibility to cross the US. However, I was cautious based on adventure cycling comment on the route: "We discourage you from attempting to ride this route solo; in fact, a minimum group size of three is strongly recommended.".
I've done a fair amount of remote cycling, including across Canada, across Russia and one lap around Australia - so solo touring isn't by itself a big concern - particularly even on those remote places in Siberia or NW Australia, the road I was on was often the only road, so there would be a fair amount of other traffic. Hence, I'm curious on your experience of how often you would see other traffic during your 2012 ride.
if so, i imagine the caveat is not for people like you.