[Elecraft] start with straight key or paddles?

[Jeff Rosenberger]

Mike wrote:
> When I took my Extra exam 25 years ago, they had already eliminated the
> Morse sending test.  Too bad, I thought.  When I took my commercial
> telegraph exam the same year, Morse sending tests were still required (one
> minute without error at 20 wpm plain language, and16 wpm code groups).  I
> still remember having qualms about using a ratty old FCC office straight key
> for the 20 wpm test.  That's always been about my limit for straight key
> operation.

How was the speed determined for a sending test?  I know I couldn't sit 
down at a straight key and send at a specific numeric speed.  I can send 
at a comfortable speed for me to receive, or roughly match speeds with 
the other operator, but send at exactly 16wpm, no way.