I have only asked for a bucket twice, both times I was crossing 6 lanes of 55mph traffic, and needed the extra height clearance. As for hooking the pole....I used to but now I work for Charter and at least in our system, they are reluctant to certify anyone on gaffs due to a rash of injuries in previous pole climbing classes.
This is CABL.com posting #223534. Tiny Link: cabl.co/m6jy