Otherwise, I will assume you give me carte blanche editorial authority. There are too many thousands of excellent short climbs on the continent to allow covering them. However, in the spirit of inclusion, I hope to add a few climbs east of the Missisippi that wouldn't otherwise qualify. These will be the best routes in the most important and historically significant areas. If someone were to ask you what the best climbs at a particular area are, these should leap immediately to mind.
Consistent quality is the key here.
Classic climbs are not test pieces at the limits of the sport. The original Roper and Steck list did not require any climbing above 5.9. Since standards have dramatically increased since 1979, a more modern list should extend higher. 5.11 rock or grade V ice seems a good compromise. The route should be relatively safe , meaning that reasonable protection and belay anchors are available, and the objective hazards are not extreme.