The problem: Grids as multipliers (if you don't have
'em, you can't circle 'em) and human nature to exploit
vulnerabilities to personal advantage. The playing
field is *not* level and the rules reveal that.
As long as Grids are multipliers, there is an
"artificialness" that is built in to VHF
radiosporting...an "artificailness" that is
exacerbated by increasing complexity in the rules.
Step back and realize that the rules grow in
complexity because of the "artificialness" of what
grid squares really are...a human notion (RF doesn't
care).
Solution? DX-based scoring (ok...maybe based on
Grid-6 or Grid-8 location) with no multipliers and no
"fudge factors" what so ever. If the QSO takes place
over a distance of 1-km, then you get 1-point. THAT
is a level playing field (it also levels it for those
who are not fortunate to live within LASER distance of
an invisible gridline, btw).
Go to a 4-square intersection and circle all you want.
Those 1-km QSO-points are all you deserve.
One makes contact with as many others as possible
simply by building a station that is capable of
communicating over greater and greater distances or by
establishing contesting methodologies that allow you
to reach more stations within your existing range.
You want a bigger score? Get an amplifier, improve
your station and learn the skills of the radiosport;
but don't expect the world to create a special
category or rule to make you feel better. Alas, that
is what we've done, and the reason for the dilema we
are faced with.
Ev, W2EV
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