Bob wrote:

My valve (tube - U.S.) receivers far out-perform /any/ semiconductor
receiver.

Your tube receivers outperform *any* semiconductor (solid state -
U.S.) receiver? I guess that would mean in all ways. That's a big
claim. What receivers might those be?

I don't need any digital processing at all.

Ah, I'm getting the picture now. You are firmly rooted in the past.
Not unusual with old timers. The problem often is that we think
everyone else should be the same. That's why it took so long to kill
the code test.

I can "work the world" on tiny power using CW, whereas I'd have to use
stupid amounts of power to get similar results with SSB.

Less power needed is an advantage of CW. Also less antenna needed. I
run 50 watts to a random wire 8' high (HOA stealth antenna) with quite
satisfactory results. It's not a DX antenna, though I do snag one
every now and then. CW ragchewing's my game, and I seldom fail to
complete a QSO.

Also, the people you meet on CW tend to be much more friendly!

Yes CW is a gentlemans band.