Why is there a demise in analogue amateur activity on the VHF and UHF bands, digital modes such as WSPR, FT8, Fusion and DMR are not completely to blame. The release of digital modes, to Foundation class licenses has, in my mind, caused the problem. If a 24 month period of analogue operation on bands above 30 MHz was included, with QSL proof, became a stepping stone to the next license class it would help. Exposure to the 6m, 4m and 2m band SSB and FM would have made these operators aware of the DX possibilities of these bands, and given them a life long appreciation VHF and above. As it did me as a Class B operator under the old license scheme. I often still sit on hilltops listening for summer tropo signals to appear on hot days and for Sporadic-E openings just before a good Autumn thunderstorm. They have missed all these mystical and magical phenomenon which are a delight to me even after all these years.
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