[PaQSO] More Points for CW

[Glenn O'Donnell, K3PP]

In light of the discussion on QRP and bonus points, the issue of extra CW
points was raised, specifically whether CW contacts SHOULD be worth more or
not.

I firmly support the extra value of CW for a number of reasons:

1. We need to offer some incentive to operate CW if we want CW to survive as
a mode.  It is common knowledge that CW is a dying art form, with many new
hams only learning enough to get the license than then never decoding
another dit or dah.  In our contesting community, CW is still popular, but
it's only a matter of time before CW-savvy operators begin to dwindle ...
UNLESS we take measures to keep this mode alive.

2. Since I believe CW is a skill that takes dedication and practice (for me
it does!), those who operate CW should be rewarded.  Had CW and SSB held
equal value, I would have scored much higher in the rankings.  Because my CW
was lower than some others, I came in far lower.  IMHO, this is the way it
SHOULD be.  I classify myself as a mediocre CW operator, so I didn't deserve
to beat those who did more CW.

3. Extra points for CW adds another element of strategy to the game.  I've
had to make many decisions like, "Should I break from this dying run on
phone and switch to CW for the extra points?  Even though my rate will be
lower, I might better boost my score."

So, count my vote in FAVOR of retaining the extra points for CW.

dahdahdididit didididahdah

de Glenn K3PP (getting pumped!!)

P.S. I'm tempted to do mobile this year, but I'll probably be on from home
again in CAR.  I'll have to clear the trees from the 160m antenna to prevent
a recurrence of last year's near disaster! (Almost started a forest fire at
midnight!  see the latest NCJ)