Rejuvinated? I think I would have picked a different word to describe what's been happening lately. I didn't even know ham radio had died!
The lack of a code requirement has simply made getting a license easier. I'm not so sure than lessening the 'knowledge' requirements has been such a good idea. That 'dumbing down' thingy is a fact, not just my opinion. Forget the code part of it, just take a look at the difference in required knowledge to pass the tests now as compared to 10-15 years ago. Then, from now to something like 20-25 years ago. Mighty big differences, huh? The same sort of thingy is happening to the commercial side too, not just the amateur side (eg: GROL -vs- 1st Class license of any sort). Think about it...
- 'Doc
(I'm at the point where it just doesn't matter to me anymore. Got the 'Extra' and the 'Grol', too lazy to get any of the endorsements. At my age, I'd never use them anyway.)