Hi,
Let me start by saying that when you start reading this post, you might go, "Oh, just another troll!". LOL. Well, I hope you can make it past that and focus on what I am actually saying. : )
In order to get a Pilot's license, you have to pass a written test and a practical test. The written test is about knowledge. The practical test is about skill. Obviously.
An amateur radio license requires "only" a written test, because it does not take any skill to push a button.
Now, before you get all "mad", remember: I do not want to "insult" someone by saying that, nor do I want to troll. I am just talking about physicaly using a radio! You turn a knob, punch in a frequency and push a button. That's it. I understand that it takes knowledge to know, when and where you can use which frequencies, but at the end, you are just pushing a button. More like a "procedure" and not a skill.
In other words: Even if you build the most complicated radio station, send a signal to the moon and back, which of course requires knowledge and skill, but at the end, you can have anyone sit there and push a button. There is no denying that.
What is my point!?
My point is that I like good quality stuff and gadgets, like Radios. However, the good and cool "high-end" radios all require an amateur radio license. Which sucks, because the 2-3 times I am planning on using the radios, makes getting an amateur license not feasible. In the meantime I am "stuck" with the radios that require no license. Those have less range and are [mostly] of lesser build quality. Actually, I should say that they are really just "lame" compared to the cool and fancy HAM radios. Just compare a Motorola XT460 PMR to a Yaesu FT5DE, and you know what I mean.
So, how could the FCC fix the "issue"? Really simple: Do the same they do with CB, FRS and PMR! Maybe take 16 frequencies (or whatever amount makes the most sense), in the amateur bands and "reserve" them for people who do not have an amateur radio license, nor plan on getting one. Just like that. I mean, if they can do it with other bands, why not do it with frequencies in the amateur bands!?
That way everyone who loves cool gadgets can get a bitching HAM radio and use it. AGAIN, please try to understand what I am saying. I am not talking about giving an amateur radio license to everyone out there. I am talking about "locking" HAM radios so they can only use those 16 channels. Same radio as you guys have, but via software (maybe) locked to a few channels. Why would that not work!?
Another option would be that manufacturer who make those "lousy" GMRS, PMR and FRS Radios step up their game and make radios like those "fancy" amateur ones. You know, the ones with the big cool screen and all the buttons, ha ha.
Hope this makes sense.
Thanks.
PS. I am new here and I am not sure where to post this, so please move it, if it is in the wrong place. : ).
PPS. Please don't just say, "Well, get the license, it is not hard!" Even though that might be the case, if I have a license, the other person I am talking to still needs one as well. That is a problem since I am planning on just randomly handing out radios when hiking, boating, biking and what not. You know what I mean.