In article , Dwight Stewart
writes:

Who said the goal of ending code testing is the growth of Amateur Radio?

Some, but not all, nocodetest folks have claimed that the (perceived) lack of
growth of the ARS is one reason to end code testing. IIRC, Cecil and Mr.
Anderson have repeatedly claimed that the Technician license (without its code
test) is the only thing that kept amateur radio in the US from experiencing a
severe decline in numbers from 1990 to 2000. As if none of them would have
gotten a license if they all had to learn code for the ticket.

I've seen no mention of that from either the FCC or those at the ITU
conference.

It is a constant theme. The RSGB has repeatedly cited lack of growth as a major
concern of theirs, and blamed it on the code test.

Instead, both seem to be saying code is no longer a necessary
radio skill since so few radio operators outside ham radio use it today.

That's another argument entirely.

Of course hams DO use Morse code quite a lot. It's a mystery why what is done
in other radio services should count more than what hams do, when it comes to
figuring out the requirements for an amateur license.

This position relates to the basis and purpose of Amateur Radio (97.1a,
97.1c, and 97.1d).

Opinions vary.

73 de Jim, N2EY