What I don't like in this discussion is that it's essentially a "but I see it on the imagery" vs a person who's been there two days ago. Now I'm getting a feeling I need to go back and study the area closer, because last year's data (and Strava traces of people who's been there who knows when) suggests otherwise.

I have been there, did not see a path. Period. If that's not convincing, feel free to restore the path.