[CW] A modest proposal

[Alan W.]

I respectfully disagree with the concept of a CW rating to "allow" people on
CW.  I also disagree with a CW-only segment.  It would further isolate CW
and telegraphers.

The CW exam are not a qualifier to "allow" people to operate CW, nor do the
technical aspects of the exams "give us permission" to build or repair our
own equipment.  Rather, the exams function to provide a certain level of
well-rounded, technical foundation or syllabus for self-study; and with
incentives to keep us progressing in our knowldge and skills.

The best approach -- since we just restructured -- is to do fine tuning, not
major surgery.

So, here is my proposal, which requires only a small amount of tweaking:

Technicians:
CW: no code
Exam: basic electricity, components, digital modes, rules, regs
    NO ADDITIONAL VOICE or analog privileges
    CW & Digital: General Class 10, 15, 40, and 80 subbands
    SSB, SSTV: Same as current Tech Plus on 10
    200 W max power

General:
CW: 5 wpm
Exam: block diagrams, common circuits, intermediate troubleshooting
    Same as current General Class

Extra:
CW: 10 to 20 wpm
Exam: circuit design, highly technical, cutting edge modes
     Same as current Extra Class

Exams:
End "Do-Overs" -- only one failed element per exam session.
Math Questions -- do not publish the actual numbers used.
Other Questions -- do not publish the exact form of the question.
Answers -- do not publish the exact form of the answers
Distractors -- allow VE teams and VECs to vary the distractors

Voice privileges should be held out as the incentive to upgrade.  We need CW
over the whole band, because it is a very worthy supplement to SSB in bad
conditions.  A CW-only segment would just create a ghetto.  And I don't want
to be behind the gates when the nocode pogrom starts.

Alan W. N5LF