finally

I really like the changes the will go in effect in April. It was ridiculous how many tests US hams had to go through to get on HF phone. The Novice 10meter phone privileges were there, but 10 just isn't open all the time. They can talk all they want about the Tech License and it's privileges above 50mhz, but the real thrill of Amateur radio for me, and I think many others, is the long distance abilities on our shortwave bands. I am not saying I don't like or use VHF/UHF, but alot of times I can't get anyone on the repeaters to talk to me simply because they only will talk to those they already know. HF is totally different.
My biggest surprise in all of this was that they got rid of the No Code License. That's fine with me. I love CW but just feel it was keeping too many people out of the hobby. It should always be a requirement for full privileges (ie, Extra Licensees) but it's emphasis in the last few years has been too much.

BTW Ed, if I could make a suggestion, you said in an earlier post that you don't censor the board at all, and I respect that. But I frequent a number of broadcast boards, some our open and some are moderated. The moderated boards are the most fun and the most used. Intelligent people get chased off of the other ones and no meaningful dialogue ever appears. There only seem to be a handfull of regulars on this board and I think there is a reason for that. I wish you would moderate it. But that's just my opinion.