[UK-CONTEST] BERU-HQ stations

[Peter Hobbs]

If the UK provinces were to become separate BERU entities, it is quite 
likely that the default winning location would move to the UK.  One critical 
advantage of the current arrangement is the open playing field, in that BERU 
can be won from many different areas of the world, depending upon 
propagation on the day.  The last thing we need is to make the event even 
marginally less attractive for the overseas entrants.  We've lived without a 
G win for over 50 years and I don't think too many of us are grumbling.

As for making the event an open one, think back to the Jubilee, when most of 
the regular Commonwealth entrants voted with their feet, rather than engage 
in the sort of operation that they can suffer any other day of the year. 
The BERU entry level is higher now than at any time in the last 60 years - 
it just doesn't need fixing.   There might be an argument for another 
one-off open Jubilee/Olympics event in 2012 of course (bit of PR!).

On the other hand, additional HQ stations from some or all of the other UK 
provinces would be of benefit to all, providing that the necessary public 
spirited souls could be found to operate them.  Not many of the current HQ 
stations fall into the mega category, so the  level of equipment shouldn't 
be an issue, just the operator.

Any other views?

73, Peter G3LET