I've been hiking this mountain for 17 years and I still love it!
It's a tough mountain and demands your respect. Watch your heart rate and bring plenty of water. People have died on this mountain because they went beyond their abilities or failed to bring enough water. The warnings are there for a reason.
I'm glad dogs are not allowed on Echo, even though people are ignoring that rule because not all dogs are friendly. I carry a knife for this reason. The Cholla side is great but people are dirty (garbage litters the trail along with dog crap), hike in the middle of the trail and generally have no trail etiquette. Just be prepared for this and you'll be good to go. Oh yeah....drink a lot of water!