I'd agree that this loop has a lot of potential. I looked at why no one was taking the straightforward portage out of James into Pond (and then into McAree). That's because it's the infamous goat hill portage-- the reviews alone would ward one off of that one! Darky River is the better choice if coming at it from Wicksteed.

The trip report that I read described the group's route coming out of Ted and heading north to Brent, Suzanette, Conmee and Williams. That's an epic route right there in terms of portages and effort.