-----Original Message-----
From: KE1F Lou <lmecseri@...>
To: Elecraft-K3 <Elecraft-K3@groups.io>
Sent: Wed, May 6, 2020 8:31 pm
Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Factory service still available?
USSR promoted ham radio as a sport because it was part of a semi military organization.
The most  active members of ham radio are the contesters. It should promoted as sport for people interested in digital, voice and traditional morse code communication.
CW part of most bands are the busiest during contest or DX Expeditions.
Just my 2cents 73 Lou KE1F
Sent from my Galaxy Tab® A
-------- Original message --------
From: Peter <cb2ham@...>
Date: 5/6/20 1:42 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Elecraft-K3@groups.io
Subject: Re: [Elecraft-K3] Factory service still available?
Bob,
Concerning the present state of licensing, you are not incorrect.
However, one must consider several factors:
1.  Interest in amateur radio was severely impacted by the advent of the Internet and cellular phones.
2.  Young people now have many things to attract and distract them.
These include, hundreds of TV channels, endless sources of music, unreasonable levels of homework, extra-curricular school activities, etc.
3.  Volunteerism has seriously waned in this country.. E.g., in my home state, I was a volunteer firefighter for several years.  When I joined in the 1970s, there was actually a waiting list to join and now they cannot even field a volunteer force.
4.  Use it or lose it.
5.  Most who affiliate with radio clubs are gray heads like me.
Service clubs -- and all volunteer organizations -- are struggling these days.  Quite frankly, for the survival of ham radio and our access to the bands, the numbers have to be kept up and we have to prove the need for the service.  If that means reducing the standards, that's too bad, but a necessary evil.  So if we have to lower the bar for entry and advancement, let's just be appreciative that there are those showing interest in the hobby, so the rest of us can continue on.
73,
Peter Singer, W2PWS