Dennis Tito tows with a turbine Cessna 206 or 207. Perlan is using a turbine Grob. I have towed behind a turbine Ag Cat. Agree on the “being dragged skyward” comment. Was at 2K agl at the end of the runway..

I Have towed a loaded SGS 2-32 and loaded Janus out of Aspen, CO dozens of times with a 180 Cub. Not recommended.....

The 260 and 235 Pawnee, C-188, or big engine 182, 180, 185 have all worked well at Ely and Parowan and other high desert sites for decades.