With higher pole light, like these (40'?), you can get a tow-behind lift for about $200/24hrs (out here in so cal, anyway).
Worth every penny.
This guy is obviously just trying to get the most out of what he has (scaffolding).
I know I feel a heck of a lot more stable in a double-boom bucket lift than on a bunch of hinky scaffolding, so if the customer doesn't want to spring for the lift, I've gotta pass that job up. I like going home at the end of the day.
