Just a few things.
I'm never going to operate a 'gateway' to the internet from my radio station. Sure, it can be a really 'neat' thing, and can certainly be a good way of doing things in some instances. But there's also the 'other' side of that 'neatness' thingy. If it's your radio station that's being used to transmit with, YOU are held liable for anything that's not done 'right' with that transmitting. You will be the one to get into trouble, not the person accessing your station by the internet. Sorry, I just don't know how to trust people that much (@#$$, I wouldn't trust me that much!). As for catching 'DX' by using a gateway station like that? What's the point? It certainly isn't the same as doing it all by radio, now is it? But if it has some attraction, or benefit for you, then sure, why not. Just don't try to make it into something it isn't.
I've found that no one will 'fit' into every group imaginable. Hams, CB'ers, skateboarders, knitters, tree huggers, female impersonators, work-a-holics, whatever. So why worry about it? You were 'looking' to start with, so if you don't 'fit', keep looking. Considering the 'groups' I've heard in a number of those thingys above, I'll bet there's a 'group' that you'll fit into. The idea of, "Everyone should be able to...", is so 'lame'. Why should everyone be able to do whatever? In some particular cases, sure. In most of them, why, what for? Just because? Nope, sorry. Every 'ability' requires a commitment. If that 'commitment' is reasonable to you, then knock your self out! If not, then keep looking.
'Nuff of that deep philosophical $#|+...
- 'Doc
