To be fair, there is a passage up there heading for Car Pot, but the digging is through very stodgy clay.
Yes, there is at least one dig site up there which has been dug not so long ago. One passage was extended about 3 years ago IIRC. And I often bump into cavers who go up to try the Blowhole (which enjoys somethinjg of a reputation), ahead of arranging longer trips to Far Country / Waters, so they don't need SRT gear either.
That elevation you posted (alanw) is a misrepresentation of the length / diversity of passage between the ladder and the Echo Rift pitch. There is more to it.
The problem with ropes it they're always a maintenance burden. The Peak System has several "up" ropes in situations where that's the only realistic option. There's a permanent trickle of warnings about not using them until they've been replaced due to wear and tear.
A stainless steel ladder, whilst expensive, is almost a "fit and forget" option.