I have been a Extra Class for over 30 years. Do you think that the changes regarding the requirements to obtain a License have contributed to the obscene behavior we hear now on the air?
In a way i agree with you, if one had to spent more time, (i.e code) to pass the license, and the FCC was far more strict, yes I would think it would be at least be formal.
It is like anything, harder to obtain, more respect
I to obtained my Extra in 1980...I can tell you that, even though I had a BSEE, and passed all 9 commercial FCC licenses, my Ham Ticket carried more clout
I launched may career in satellite communications for 40 years, I even found my beautiful wife through ham radio, Ham radio also lead me to travel 70 countries the last 44 years
You can look at my QRZ Page NN2X, and get all the information on how Ham radio changed my life.
Today, same job interview, in most cases they would think Ham radio died...
My son, who was 12 at the time, said Dad, do you wish for me to pass this "Ham Ticket" I said it would be sure nice..I think it took him over the weekend, and presto his calls are KI5FJE..
Lets face it, that could never happen in 1980, there was no pool of questions, you had to read comprehend, and pass the code...My son (Adam), would had to study at least 6 months..
Cheers
NN2X / Tom