If you give the Techs what is being discussed here, what will they have to look forward to? They probably will never go any farther then the technician class.
I know when I was a tech I was bummed about my lack of privledges, but the again all I had was a 2m and 10 meter rig. It was ok because 10 meter was wide open, and I had a lot of fun.
I took an 8 week tech course taught by Hams, and we went through the ARRL tech manual, but we didn't use their answers. In fact the instructors had there own version of the same questions. We had homework, quizzes, and tests. Plus on hands stuff. It was awesome. We all passed or tech exam. I know for a fact I learned a little radio stuff. I worked hard for my exam. I'm a retired technician, not electronics but machinery, so besides the military radios I operated, and my CB that's all i had to draw on for electronics or radio theory. Not an easy task. I'd still be on the radio sidelines if I had to learn code. Glad I didn't have to go through that. Just like the guys going through advanced hydraulic school that don't have to memorize 30 formulas like we did back in 1992. Now when students go to there first class the instructors give them the cheat sheet condensed down to a wallet size card, and they can use it anytime they want to except for the final exam. Am I mad about that still ? No, because in the real world in the field working on a complex hydraulic system if you don't remember the correct math or system component function you look it up in your service manual, and make the repair. The job gets done, and everybody is happy. I don't fault them for that. I think its the best way.
I know the code is tough, but if I was a ham that had to learn code I would not be discouraging new hams, or belittling them because they didn't have to learn code. They might not have even heard of Morse Code. If they want to learn it, there are many publications and the internet to get them through it. Don't talk down to them, there looking to you older hams for camaraderie and maybe a little recognition that they just passed a test that they were interested in, and are excited about. Help them out.
Now as far as giving them more privileges I say Negative. Some say the tech exam is easy, and it no doubt is, but that's what it is, and they passed what has been deemed as necessary by the powers to be.
Now let them study some more to advance to the General class, but I don't think giving techs more band width is the answer.
I'm studying for my Extra, and as far as im concerned, the book might as well come from an alien civilization. How could someone remember 500 questions? Being 61, im going to have to study because this old CPU in my skull won't remember 500 questions.
I have been belittled by a few operators in a very round about way, who we're bacially telling me that because I was a no code ham I was dog do do. That doesn't help this hobby in no way or form. We're all going to die, and soon the young no codes will take over this hobby, and hopefully it will continue to thrive. It might not look like the same ham radio your used to , but neither is the engine in my 2015 diesel pickup. It looks more like nuclear submarine under the hood compared to my first car, a 1959 Chevy Cheyene . the thing is they both do what there supposed to do, there not the same, but as the years pile up they to change with the times.
There's so much for us to be thankful for, why not spread the ham radio love, and help our new friends on the air out. We might not be here tomorrow, so just enjoy radio as long as you can, and maybe help out a new Tech.
73
