[CQ-Contest] LY9W ? - time to ban SCP?

[kr2q at optimum.net]

OK, I admit it.  I have NEVER been a proponent of SCP (or that ilk).  So I'll once again (been
many years now, so it's time) ask why SCP is allowed for non-assisted entries (or at all).

For me, either you copy the call, zone, SN, name, SEC, etc yourself or you don't.

So much has been automated during a contest, just what is left for the entrant to do that
demonstrates actual contest skill?   Not even copy the call sign?

At the heart of each contest QSO is getting the call and exchange right.  If you have to rely
on a database (EG SCP), was that really a valid QSO?

Going back ages, I recall a DX ham (Riki) who used "a database" on 160m.  When challenged,
he said that the database only helped him to confirm the call he had copied.  Really?  If you knew 
you had copied it, why need to "check?"  Of course, the answer is that it wasn't "copied," but 
needed to be teased out.  I mean, it's a long way from most eastern part of zone 20 to the rest 
of the world.

More recently, a well-known contester that I have always respected, gave me an example
of what he felt was an "appropriate use" of SCP.  "Let's say I'm on 75m and the band is 
noisy and I just can't confirm the other guys full call.  If I look at SCP, I can see a list of
calls and I can say, 'Is your call XY1ABC?' and if he says YES, then I know I have a good
contact."  Huh?  For me, this is exactly why SCP should NOT be allowed.  THAT was a "good"
QSO?  You never copied his full call.  You took an total GUESS base on SCP.  What if he didn't
say YES?  Then what?  No QSO or "take a chance?"

Other arguments include, "Why should I be penalized for not having as good a memory for
call signs as K1AR (or your favorite contester)?"  Just because he can remember 10,000
calls doesn't mean I'm not as a good a contester.  So I use SCP to make up for that aspect.

And I suppose he also runs 10KW to "make up" for atmospheric losses.   

Really, there is NO legitimate reason to use SCP during a contest unless you just want to have
FUN also sending the guys name during a contest which does not require that you copy his/her
name.

It always is disappointing to me to see the URGENT plea's to share your log file so that SCP
can be updated.

SCP is just pure BS for the true (honest) contester.  Too late?  Can't get the genie back into
 the bottle?  Yes, I know.  But that doesn't mean it is right.

de Doug KR2Q