On Sun, 09 Jul 2006 07:25:56 -0400, "J. D. B."
wrote:

No, please tell us how requiring code tests and more difficult technical
testing creates a "more proficient" ham?

When code testing was 13/20 WPM and the technical tests were much
harder, we still had all the idiots on the bands. Those idiots are not
more proficient. You are simply ignoring reality. Do you live in a cave
or something?

The claim was "more proficient", not "generally nicer and better able
to get along with people". There will always be idiots in insert any
field but a ham who can't copy code at 1 wpm isn't more proficient
(or as proficient) at communicating under any and all conditions as
one who can.

Someone who can do something is, by definition, more proficient at
doing it than someone who can't. Requiring code tests and real
technical testing (the current tests are a joke) makes sure that most
of the people who get licensed are more proficient at receiving code
and with technical matters.