[VHFcontesting] comments on proposed VHF+ rules changes

[N3AWS at aol.com]

My remarks as an ARRL Life Member, casual contester, and occasional attempted 
rover with poor results:

1.  If the ARRL wants to attract the Ic 706/FT-100 crowd to the June Contest, 
this doesn't seem to be the way to do it.

Instead, why not institute an Hill Topping category similar to what CQ tried 
with their last contest?  Allow portable set-up with the option of moving once 
to a new spot.  Encourage "pedestrian" mobile which is so popular with the 
FT-817 type rigs.

But put these people into a category where they compete against each other, 
not the low power home stations.

2.  Don't eliminate any bands--we need VHF/UHF activity to protect our 
frequencies.

3.  Bottom line: try NEW things to attract new groups of potential 
participants, but DON'T alienate those who already participate with changes that remove 
their incentive to be rovers, multi band superstations, etc.  There is room 
for everybody.

And for those monitoring on the sidelines: c'mon in, the water's fine!

73,  Jim N3AWS/4
EM90