[Elecraft] OT- RE: Extra Lite (was KAF2 Initial state?)

[JAKidz]

I wrote:
	<snip> As a newbie Extra Lite, <snip>
Dan Barker wrote: <snip>
	> What on earth is an Extra Lite? Some sort of codeless Extra? <snip>
Kevin Rock wrote: <snip>
>    Extra lite is what some mossbacks call new Amateur Extras now that the
> code test is run at 5 wpm.  I have heard of Extra mediums too when the
code
> test was run at 13 wpm.  They all past the requirements set out for them
so I
> don't see why the oldsters want to disparage their accomplishments. <snip>

	In applying the term "Extra Lite" to myself, I'm indicating that my wisdom
and experience isn't near that of those who achieved the Extra under the
previous incentive licensing standards and for whom I have a lot of respect.
To become a professional with a PhD and board certification in a specialty,
I've had to take a lot of heavy duty tests so I don't want to diminish the
accomplishment of those who have met a higher standard. I first obtained the
General and then the 5 wpm Extra before I ever ventured onto HF upon
completion of my K2 but I used to be able to hide behind my initial call,
KD7OIU, because I initially chose to keep it. But after some frustrating low
ERP contest experience, I decided to shorten my call when the opportunity
presented itself. I happened to find out that the 1x2 with my initials had
become available so I had a choice of either going for it or waiting until I
got my skills up to the higher standard but potentially missing the very
rare call. In some ways, I regret the switch because I don't like the
ambiguity and  potentially false assumptions that a 1x2 vanity call
introduces. For example, I'll bet people in the know are quicker to respond
to a query by a clueless KD**** than the same clueless K*** and to be more
tolerant of sloppy code and copy errors from the former than the latter. So
I'm working on getting my code speed up to the prior standard and when I
eventually get closer, I'll quit identifying myself as an "Extra Lite" and
maybe actually get on the air with CW.

	Thanks for the bandwidth.
73,
John Gay, K7JG, ex-KD7OIU.