[ICOM] Icom 551D Power Control

[flearl at msn.com]

Hello all:
           I'm using an Icom 551D for 6 Meters, can someone explain how the power control works or confirm that I have this right?  OK, the power control has an "off" position (full counterclockwise) that gives it maximum power out with no speech compression, the off position is labeled "comp off" which is a bit strange.  When you rotate the power control clockwise it clicks over the detent and from there you have 1-80 watts out but with compression on.  Do I have that right?  My only question is why?   If I understand correctly, you can't run intermediate power without the compression on?  What were they thinking with this configuration?  I don't want to run 80W when 1 or 5 will do. 
73
Warren NØWF