The people I know that still use that way do it because it's shorter for them to get to the back areas of renshaw from where they stay and avoids the crowds up front, not because they are too cheap. And unless the trail is already broke in and it hasn't snowed over it, the stretch up the creek and falls should only be attempted by experienced mtn riders.
I didn't mean to come across as saying people were too cheap. No offence intended. Riding the ungroomed trails with 3foot moguls the entire distance in the old days have taken their toll and personally even if Blackwater is a little rough it's still a highway to us veterans. And yes early season up Chalco is a not feasible....not enough snow for the creek.
Cheers