From: (Buther*Boy)
According the FCC, there has been 32,000 more amateurs advancing to
amateur extra after the 13 and 20 wpm code was replaced by the 5 wpm
code requirement. All of the other classes of operators saw a 20,000+
decrease in the number of operators. While some of these numbers could
allow for the advancing to amateur extra, it is likely that people
simply did not renew. So, radio may HAVE BEEN in the downslide, but it
IS getting better.
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/07/20/100/?nc=1
Buther Boy
_
Don't forget the number of wive's who pull double-duty (and more) with
call signs, the number of unlicensed hams who "borrow" friend's calls
(many with their blessing) and the rest of the rogue ops!