"Tom Winston" wrote in message ...
On 19 Jan 2004 10:08:20 -0800, N2EY wrote:

Existing Advanceds get free upgrade to Extra, ...

That's not an upgrade; that's a downgrade.

Incorrect!

Advanced class licensees
passed the Extra class written exam,

No, they did not. There have always been different written exams
for the two license classes. Until the 2000 restructuring, an Extra
required passing both the 50 question Advanced written *and* the 40
question Extra.

and passed a 13 wpm code test.

Only until 1990. After that time, code waivers were available.

Extra required 20 wpm in the same time frame.

Furthermore, most Advanced class licensees took the older Extra exam

again, incorrect!

-- an exam that's a lot tougher than the current Extra exam.

No argument there.

Possession of the Advanced class license proves that the holder met
higher standards than the current crop of Extras.

So thanks, but no thanks. When I want to downgrade, *I* will make
that decision.

Just go away, ARRL, and keep your grimy paws off my license.

73 de Jim, N2EY