[CQ-Contest] R: ARRL DX CW Results - Did Anyone Else Notice?

[r-emails at n5ot.com]

Matt, thanks for posting.  Of course everyone in the conversation is 
interested in what you have to say.  I will try to keep my comments 
brief and on-topic.

Your posts convince me I am right by urging us to move the conversation 
away from CEPT.  It turns out CEPT is a big mud pit way out in the 
weeds.  There is no reason to talk about CEPT, when it is easier to talk 
about whether or not it is okay for someone to use their FCC license the 
way you used yours.

That is easier and more sensible.

Your posts explain your opinion about what FCC rules mean.  I appreciate 
your sharing your opinion about it.  I'm curious if you (Matt) or the 
contest sponsor (ARRL), have actually asked the FCC what they think, or 
if you are guessing at the answer.  That should determine if your score 
should stand or if your operation was in violation of the rules of your 
FCC license.

To clarify, W5OV did say "We consulted with the FCC on this specific 
matter" but the specific matter he is talking about (CEPT) is not the 
one I am asking about here (FCC License).  CEPT is not the question.  I 
get it they are intertwined, but at the end of the day, the FCC should 
be able to say YES it was within FCC rules for Matt to use his USA 
license the way he did -or- NO it was not.  It sounds like it's possible 
the FCC said something like "it's CEPT there is nothing we can do" but 
of course I could be wrong which is why I am asking the guy who had the 
conversastion.  Bob, if you will clarify that the FCC specifically said 
that what Matt did is allowed under FCC rules, I feel sure the issue 
will end and everyone will be satisfied.  Thank you for graciously 
accepting doubt in a respectful and courteous forum.

I totally understand that maybe FCC never considered this question and 
did not have an answer.  Oops.  We are all human, after all.  That will 
just show us (me, you, ARRL, FCC) where we need to improve.

Matt, thank you again for weighing in.

73 - Mark N5OT