[VHFcontesting] Banning The Use Of 144.200 MHz During Contests

[Eric Watkins]

I'd really like it if non contesters wouldn't complain 
before/during/after a contest because 'their' previously unused, dead 
as a doornail, sacred bands got abused by contesters for one weekend 
every 3 months or so.  We're told one reason for contesting is so the 
FCC can see the VHF bands are in use, then complainers come out of 
the woodwork about the methods contesters are using per the rules. If 
contesting activity is being used to justify band allocations, do the 
complainers really want the bands to cease being used and see the 
allocations revoked? 900mhz is virtually dormant during non contest 
periods and we're about to loose that allocation. I see this trend 
continuing if contesting becomes so regulated it's not fun for people 
to take part in.

The statement RE the DX band plan for six meter on the ARRL frontpage 
was classic. How bout the rules were amended to clarify 'issues' like 
this before the contest instead of complaining about activity after 
the fact? Sure people are supposed to know the bandplans, but if it 
happens every year, as the blurb stated, why not document it in the 
rules and be done?

Is it just me or should the VUAC be encouraging more activity instead 
of working to stifle it?