Much of this particular thread assumes that the main
goal is to "level the playing field" which has been
correctly pointed out is not possible. Perhaps instead
the underlying goal for some of the suggested rule
changes is to make VHF contesting more interesting and
challenging?
Going to a 6 digit grid exchange for example will make
it more of a challenge to complete those really weak
Q's because of the slightly longer exchange. Adding a
distance based QSO point variable will make the posted
results more interesting, particularly for the higher
bands. After all a 3456MHz Q from the eastern edge of
one grid to the western edge of its neighbor is far
more of an accomplishment than working the line of
site station on a hilltop 5 Mi across the valley. But
with the scoring structure used today there would be
absolutely no difference in points.
Will the same potential for inequity still exist for
everyone, of course it will, but wouldn't it be more
interesting to analyze contest results that ALSO show
X number of MI (or KM) per Q in addition to the
existing Q's and multipliers scoring of today? The
added burden for computing your score is minimal since
the heavy-duty calculating work will only need to be
done during the ARRL log checking process. So those
without computers will be only be missing out on the
luxury of knowing their final score quickly.
Duane
N9DG
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