[CQ-Contest] Assisted

[k3bu at optonline.net]

I think the discussion about "Assisted" category and assistance in the contests is getting off the track.
 
I understand that "assisted" or assisting operator  refers to activities and means of gathering information about stations - call, frequency during the contest and passing it on to the operator. Which means SOMEONE ELSE is tuning the bands and providing the information about other contesters (points, multipliers) to THIS operator. Kind of equivalent of having another operator(s) next to me, tuning the bands, looking for points and "serving" them on the platter to me. It is all about finding the points and telling me regardless how (packet, Internet, telephone, whatever) who and where I can quickly locate them.
 
The other "assistance" like naked cook fixing the beam, or dressed XYL bringing the meal is OK.
Using the Internet to gather the propagation, weather info or anything not related to soliciting information about the stations or making QSOs is OK. More power to you if you can have a team of professionals standing by and fix your antenna, radio or provide massage. 
 
What is more detrimental in CQ WW - is the scoring system - ZERO points for your own country. Just check the pathetic ratios of QSO/points between US and Eu stations on low bands and overall scores among the world top scorers. 
 
73 Yuri, K3BU