Hi 360,
I had a very similar idea recently just by looking at the 1:25000 map. When I was in Ticino last I then ended up doing something else. I thought the Tamaro N ridge should be an interesting and mostly pathless ascent from Quartino. Thanks to your report and pics I can now see the idea is good indeed.

Congratulations for the pictures (as usual).

Cheers.
Michele

Thanks! The N ridge ascent is a good idea and will definitely be less crowded than any other approach to Tamaro, and, if you do it when the cable car is not being renovated, you can take the way down which is gentle on the knees.
360