I don't have a personal stake in the debate as I always run assisted and
claim it that way. I do it because I enjoy the interplay of the technology.
Meanwhile, it is accepted that to date the best SO (A) scores continue to be
somewhat below the best SO scores.
The point I'd like to make is there are really three categories:
- SO
- SO (A)
- SO (cheating A)
We don't know too much about how the scores of the third category stack up,
but knowing of a few stations that do it routinely, and who have been caught
and penalized in some cases and STILL continue to do it, I can offer a
little insight. Some of the SO (cheating A) scores are usually in the top
ten. In my view that really hurts the sport, plus I really don't understand
it since those of us who pay attention know who most of them are and
mentally DQ their scores. Maybe they like having cartons full of ill-gotten
walnut? Beats me. Most of the SO (cheating A) stations I'm aware of also
run excessive power. If you are going to cheat - might as well go all the
way I guess?
I have no solution to offer other than I think the penalties for getting
caught running SO (cheating A) should be VERY severe - much more than they
are now. A three year ban on the first offense and banned for life on the
second feels good to me.
I'm posting simply to suggest that the notion that assisted operation hasn't
caught up with unassisted operation ignores a piece of the puzzle. SO
(cheating A) has caught up and perhaps surpassed SO.
73,
Hal N4GG/4
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