This seems preposterous. How hard would it be to put a couple big generators and a winter supply of gas down there?
[edit] no, seriously, why is this so difficult? If you can have one generator and one fuel supply, why not have enough so you're not constantly worried about potable water supply? What's the limiting factor here?
What other things? Water, food and fuel seem pretty basic. Is suffering some sort of prerequisite goal? Can a person not be comfortable at the South Pole in order to go about their business?
Showering at Antarctica is a luxury. As the humorous article made clear. And we're not even talking about the South Pole station. I do wonder what showering regime applies there.
People who can't shower don't suffer. They sponge bath. If you value showering so much, Antarctica is not for you. That's ok.
[edit] no, seriously, why is this so difficult? If you can have one generator and one fuel supply, why not have enough so you're not constantly worried about potable water supply? What's the limiting factor here?