After reading this I'm wondering if the party couldn't have just asked the Solars for a Wish - teleport to the next destination without having to put them into the fight.
I realize this was supposed to be a you cannot pass situation, but I am always reminded of the scene in Labrynth when Sir Didmus says "none may pass without my permission" after some thought they finally ask, "do we have your permission to cross?" HAving never been asked before he says "yes". Not that it applies exactly in this situation, the Solars are not allowed to let anyone enter the portal, but were they allowed to Wish someone beyond it? Just asking?
I have a hard time with a "good" aligned party having to fight a celestial for any reason other than the party has suddenly turned to the 'dark side', but that's just me. As a player I might have laid down my arms and refused to fight if I had been placed in this situation and then tried to negotiate with the Solars for some sort of non-violent arrangement, to include contacting the god in question through whatever means were available.
