If you're talking about the Piton, yes that does count as an item, but if you're talking about the clip-ons in the climbing gym, then no they don't count as an item. Basically, if you can use the rope without using anything from your backpack, then it doesn't count.

Haha no, It’s just that it’s unnecessary to uncross them as long as you have good foot placement, so uncrossing them would just waist time.

I'd also like to add that each category should have 2 variants: one that allows items, and one that doesn't.