So, lets put fall factors aside. That's a whole different thread. Though the OP mentions having "ascenders" it got me thinking about just one. There's always footlocking (or wrapping) with one ascender to make some progress.
Though I've never done this, it got me thinking about using the bottom of the rope to incorporate into the system. Of course that means your pulling up a loop if you don't have a knife. But it's always an option when you really do have "limited" gear.