[DX] Does anyone still run barefoot?

[John Geiger]

Been having a terrible time this week with the ST
dxpeditions.  Sudan would make #305 for me, and the
previous 304 have been worked with 100 watts, and
simple antennas-first a dipole for around the first
255, then a cushcraft MA5B for awhile, and now a mini
quad.  However, I am having no luck whatsoever with
the ST guys.  I can hear ST2CF at S6 but can't get
through, even when he works by call areas.  ST0RY is
not very strong here most of the time, except on 15
today when they were calling for Japan.  They did have
a decent signal on 20 CW tonight, but still couldn't
get through.

Does anyone else still run 100 watts for dxing?  Seems
like I am getting creamed by guys with linears.  A few
DX spots have even commented that they got through
with 100 watts, which makes it sound unusual.  

This setup used to work.  I worked both VP6D
dxpeditions 4 times.  recently worked A7, 9M2, 3C, TY,
KH9, and S0 for new ones, plus a few other good ones
in the past year.  I have always had a thing about
wanting to DX barefoot, plus don't want to risk the
TVI and wrath of the neighbors and wife with a KW, but
am wondering if I have finally hit the wall with my
capabilities.  Believe me, the frustration has been
enough the past couple of days that I have
contemplated selling the miniquad, quitting DXing
altogether, and sticking with VHF/UHF and satellites. 
Maybe I will have a more level playing field there.

So I am a dying breed, or do others still chase DX
barefoot with simpler antennas, and actually succeed?

73s John NE0P

p.s. I am to the point where I want to work the ST
just so life can get back to normal here.  Getting
tired of sitting in front of the radio for several
hours each day repeating my call over and over.

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