> what problem does this solve to justify the crazy expense, complexity and maintenance? Elevators have a natural height limit, due to the weight of the rope,

> what problem does this solve to justify the crazy expense, complexity and maintenance? Elevators have a natural height limit, due to the weight of the rope, which is why taller buildings need sky lobbies. You also can't (really) increase the capacity of a single elevator shaft with a traditional rope-based system.