I don't really think RS-44 has a hearing problem, and indeed, right now it is my favorite linear bird. I've had excellent results with it. It's in a higher orbit than most, so you can work some decent distance with it.
JO-97 is underutilized, but it's a solid bird as well.
XW-A is the only satellite in that series that is working well, but it does work well.
CAS-4A seems to have developed a problem and is inconsistent but CAS-4B is also working well.
So, at a minimum, there are four linear satellites operational right now that are doing good.
AO-7, remarkably, is still operational "sometimes". It's amazing.
I do recommend you check the AMSAT "status" page at the following link for up to date info:
https://www.amsat.org/status/See you on the birds!