I’m not seeing the pictures.
yes, outstanding country and trip! I’ve done the ‘low route’ version, I suppose, at least six times, always in early season. The so called Benson Lake loop out of Twin Lakes. Anyway, many of the highlights of your trip can be reached on trail, as I’ve done. this is really spectacular country, especially around Matterhorn and Burro pass. and Mule pass, which you missed by going off trail! so there are trade offs on the routes. I’m lazy and usually hike solo, so find trails, even when snow covered, to be reassuring.