or even to buy a radio upon discovering Echolink.
Echolink devotees are

Bingo! You've got it! Yes, when we post here on the
Internet, it has no effect on our on the air activities -
But when some moron uses the Internet as a substitute for
radio *as a part of our on the air activities* then the
hobby is undercut and damaged. Facing this threat, amateurs
feel - threatened !

Something that I can agree with you for once.

Bill