Yeah there are a lot of variables to analyze before foolishly heading into the clouds with a #fullsend attitude. Consider the situation and make the call. I've hunkered and I've moved and been happy with both decisions, notched tag or not.
Phone will probably take better photos and video than the old GoPro, but the GoPro excels at enduring whatever brutality you don't want to risk with your phone. They both tell part of the story and can complement each other well.
I've seen some solo people up there. Pick up One Man's Wilderness by Dick Proenneke or Alaska's Wolf Man about Frank Glaser and go solo!
It's probably a good thing you're looking for a hunting partner. It's a long drive and there are lots of variables. However, there are plenty of people around...
If the spotter was expensive, take it and use the heck out of it. I have a medium priced one I use for scouting, then just take my binos and tripod while hunting. Did that during a few Wyoming mule deer hunts and up here in Southeast Alaska for goats, deer and bear.