The problem was that thousands of newcomers were learning just enough
to pass
the tests, assembling simple stations with little understanding of
proper
design, adjustment, or operation, and putting them on the air. Many of
these
newcomers lost interest quickly, particularly when the limitations of
their
knowledge and skills became apparent. The newly formed FCC was
concerned, as
was the ARRL.

The action proposed by the ARRL to the FCC was in two parts: Raise the
code
speed SLIGHTLY, (10 to 12-1/2 wpm) and make the written test more
comprehensive. The changes to the written tests are all but ignored by
the NCI
article.

Code won't help here, but testing for knowledge does.
As the FCC lets us build and maintain our transmitter,
we need to know a few things. Like:
Basic knowledge of oscillator and amplifier circuits,
and what happens if such are not designed or adjusted right
(harmonics and such problems). Technical stuff the CB "freebanders"
with "Linayers" should know but don't. Basic troubleshooting
skills (probable faults in given situations). Basic
circuit theory. Also block diagram level systems
(like the parts of a superheterodyne receiver). KNowledge
of RFI and probable causes. Repeater management. Bandwidth
of various modes (SSB, FM, etc) and why you don't set the
transceiver frequency at 14.349 in USB mode (your signal
will leak over the band edge into another service's band).
Rules and regs like IDing and no pecuniary interest (which
really protects our bands from business invaders). No
broadcasting (the web is a better medium for this anyway).

Enough knowledge to be tested so a candidate can be
trusted to operate transmitters and not screw up the
radio spectrum for other users.