I interpolated the same conclusion. Luck could be a huge variable though. It could come down to what course they took and the challenges they faced. Where did you find your information on their trip? Would very much be interested in any details of their trip...
All I know is what that doc I posted told me.
While I was watching, I had a hundred questions, and could have listened to the details for 5 more hours. I wanted to know how they REALLY did it.
How much local help?
Fuel and food?
Any conflicts?
Did the vehicles break? How? How were they fixed?
And the water crossings. Did they just show up and hope for a ferry?
How long and how many people were involved in the planning?
Did they REALLY only have 2 or 3 CJ7s? That seems like a lot of gear to have and not much of a vehicle to carry it all, esp. for worst case scenarios.
It may be worse/more difficult today, it may be easier. May come down to luck and any cartel activity in the area you choose to drive through.
The Expedition Overland guys (look up the second season on Youtube...and some of the guys are members here) drove to the gap, and started the negotiations to cross this past year, but were HIGHLY advised not to enter. Again, I'm sure they know ALOT more than the vids had time to show.
Would be an EPIC story to tell.