Hello Richard...maybe I should just withdraw? I have been a ham since March 1961...I have gone thru the controversial period of Silly Side Band vs AM from 1959 to 1967...then in 1971 the Arrl convinced the FCC to go to incentive licensing..it took me 9 years to get over that fiasco...and as an avid contestor in 2001 I initiated the attempt to get the rules in the major DX contest changed so that everybody could compete on an even footing....didn't happen but is has been around until lately...so looking back Ham radio has a number of controversial subjects and I have participated in them all...so when the FT8 monkey business reared its head, naturally I have an opinion...I suggest to make in this controversial hobby, learn to hit the "Delete" button if it is a topic that you don't want to participate in...I have for years had an ongoing hot-cold relationship with my friend Jeff KU8E...we have had a number of of disagreements online and off line, but still we are friends...and I am sure we will continue in our healthful discussions..so put on your "big boy pants" and roll with the rest of us...or DELETE what you don't care to discuss. Simple. This is the most discussion on this reflector in the past 6 months..let's liven things up?

73 de Rick NQ4I