Ridden it twice but have never see standing water as in Truebloods photo, thus it wasn't terrible, even with mud in sections requiring riding on the sides of the trail. That just makes the problem (and trail)worse and wider.

Wouldn't mind seeing it paved, as well as a gravel hiking/running half. If they could dirt/gravel it so roadies could use it, that would be the best idea, as it would be a great extension of the SCT.