Good discussion...we really are saying the same thing.

If the product does not make a profit, it is gone. Drake is in the
business to make money, not radios.

I really do like the idea of SWLs building their own radios.

Whether or not they can be built equivalent to the specs of the Drake
R8B is quite another matter.

I note that most ham operators today are appliance operators and not
builders.

TMT