In message , Ryan Breai
writes
It is not too late to turn the tide. (Even if a mixed metaphor sings,
it should be derailed by pulling out the carpet from underneath?)

We can make a start, perhaps, by agitating for the abolishment of the
M3/CB Fool's Licence, and for it to be replaced by a form of CB
licence. All other licence classes to enforce home construction and,
perhaps, the use of CW only for the first year, as an encouragement to
tackle successfully a first constructional project.

I agree 1-100% why do we need the bull centred around this soldering
iron mentality. I want to communicate with a purpose built set not a
bodged up ex mod misfit. If you want to be a ham with a soldering iron
OK but I just want to use a radio to talk to people and that's a
different kettle of fish.
Why do we need the self imposed rules set by the RSGB if we only want
to communicate with an out of the box rig. Why do we have to pay to the
RSGB to sit some phoney test, is it to keep bad mannered trogs like you
in business.
If we want to transmit using CW then we learn the code, simple. If we
just want to use voice, no problem. All that is needed is the rules for
transmitting and radio manners printed in the box. If you break the
rules i.e. bad language etc. then you go to jail.
What is so special about a radio, is a VHF handheld better than a mobile
phone for communication, remember these days there are sat coms that
costs less than a HF radio. Coded messages can be sent by SMS. Face it
your way is a thing of the past, it's a CB world if you don't like it go
home but remember we have the ball.