If nothing else, at least make it a requirement for Extra Class. And it doesn't have to be 20wpm; 10wpm would be good, but even 5wpm would suffice. I figure if you're going for an Extra Class, it makes sense to have at least some exposure to the oldest mode with a lot of history in radio and landline telegraphy behind it.
I agree, but the possibility of FCC adding any form of Morse Code testing is....slim to none.
Here's why:
In 1990, FCC created medical waivers for the 13 and 20 wpm code tests. All it took to get one was form letter signed by an MD or DO - ANY MD or DO - stating that it would take the person "longer than normal" to learn code well enough to pass 13 or 20 wpm. No specific medical condition was to be mentioned, the condition didn't have to be permanent or even make it impossible or very difficult for the person to pass the tests. Nor could the VEs question the form letter at all; FCC alone could do that, and to my knowledge they never did. FCC stated that the only reason they couldn't medically waive the 5 wpm code was the ITU-R treaty.
In 2000, FCC eliminated the 13 and 20 wpm code tests completely.
In 2007, FCC dropped 5 wpm code testing.
So, for 30 years, all license classes have been available with 5 wpm code and a medical waiver. For 20 years, all license classes have been available with 5 wpm code. And for 13 years, all license classes have been available with no code test at all.
Meanwhile, the number of Extras has risen
from about 49,000 (10.5% of US hams) in 1990 (per the Winter 1990 Callbook)
to about 79,000 (11.7%) in early 2000
to about 108,000 (16.5%) in mid 2007
to about 151,000 (19.7%) now.
After all this time, how can FCC be convinced that code testing absolutely NEEDS to be re-introduced? That's the challenge.
Also - if a proposal to re-introduce code testing for any class of license were to somehow make it to the RM-stage, you can bet a new Begali that there would be a mountain of opposing comments and reply comments against it. (I'd be for it, but that's not the issue.)
I say all this as someone who earned his Extra way back in 1970, at the age of 16, with only 3 years as a ham, no Elmer and no formal training in any sort of radio. FCC office, sending and receiving, "secret" tests, uphill both ways, yada yada yada. Back then there were only about 10,000 Extras and we made up less than 4% of US hams.
The way Morse Code will survive in Amateur Radio is for us to use it and promote it. Testing is gone and isn't coming back.
Check out CWops.org to see what some folks are doing.
73 de Jim, N2EY