Im not sure where to go with this. I appreciate the fact that you agree with many of us that the dropping of the CW requirement for Extra was the wrong way to go. Many others will disagree with that, and like politics, they won and we all have to live with that decision. But, it is no reason to give up and just quit. You have made your own personal decision to learn code, and indeed that does make one more able to fullfill the "ideal" of a ham radio operator, in the view of many inside and outside of ham radio. That simply means you have the skill to use that mode, unlike many newcomers to the hobby. Back when it was required, though, many passed the test and never again touched a key or tried to copy a CW QSO. That was a personal decision, much like learning enough electronics to pass the test, yet never opening the case of a rig, or building even the simplest circuit. Again, a personal decision, but at least one has the capability to do so later, if he so desires.
As for the QSL card thing, I would disagree with the idea that no one sends cards. Just ask the bureau sorters today. They report higher and higher numbers of cards handled, almost from a month to month basis. My incoming envelopes are coming more often, and are stuffed fuller with cards, than ever before. I design and print my own cards today, just like I have for the past 43 years or more. It used to be a much more difficult procedure, but with the computer, it is but a moment of my time to print up, and cut, another few cards. I certainly appreciate my home made cards, and those of others who do the same. Yes, a nice double sided, colored, postcard type QSL is nice to look at, but simply costs money on the part of the sender. Mine, and other homebrew cards require some artistic output on our own part, and I think they even more represent the true spirit of ham radio. So, dont buy 1000 cards. Print a few, and see how many you use. That allows you to change them, if you find you need to add new information, or remove old. A change of address, calls, DXCC status: or adding your zone or grid square is easy to do. This year is the 100th birthday of Boy Scouting in the USA, so my latest cards have a picture of Baden Powell, the founder and indicate its my 61st year in the program. Oh, and yes, I do upload to both LOTW and eQSL, and appreciate receiving confirmation matches on LOTW, because those come faster, and one can be assured they really do count for any of the ARRL awards for which they have been announced (DXCC-WAS) . I simply have way too many cards here already, and do not need another 50 or 100 French or English or German cards, etc. I do have at least one card for every country worked (333), and though I appreciate the fact that others may want a card - and do send one for every one received - I like the fact of savining both money and time when I do not have to send out another card and the ham on the other end says "LOTW please". I do not use the eQSL awards program, but see no reason to refuse to upload to that program, for the other guy. Oh, and by the way, its not just the powerhouse stations using LOTW, many many of my matches and verifications are from 100 watt stations (or less) from around the world. Right now, my country status is: Real cards 333 - LOTW 269 - eQSL 199. Proof in the pudding - hams still use real cards. If the powerhouse stations were not using LOTW, by the way, you might just have difficulty getting a card from some of them anyway. Who wants to sit around and fill out 100,000 cards? Eventually you would probably get one, if you still wanted it, but in the meantime, the rest of us have already got itconfirmed and verified in the DXCC program. Danny Douglas N7DC ex WN5QMX ET2US WA5UKR ET3USA SV0WPP VS6DD N7DC/YV5 G5CTB All 2 years or more (except Novice). Short stints at: DA/PA/SU/HZ/7X/DU CR9/7Y/KH7/5A/GW/GM/F Pls QSL direct, buro, or LOTW preferred, I Do not use, but as a courtesy do upload to eQSL for those who do. Moderator DXandTALK http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DXandTalk Digital_modes http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digital_modes/?yguid=341090159
