Thank you for printing the comments by Dan Lane on equipment prices. I agree with him, but I think there are two threats that I believe are real. Example: I haven't been in the amateur arena very long. My first HF rig was an old Heathkit 104. I paid $200 dollars for it in 1985. The last Hamfest I went to I didn't see any gear that a new amateur could buy and get on the air with for $200 dollars (HF or VHF).
One point I would like to add to the above is Heathkit is no longer around. And that is where a lot of Hams got their start. They built their first rig, learned "hands on" about its circuitry, and yes, were even able to repair it themselves after it was built. Try to do that with today's equipment. Someone out there in the amateur world (or Commercial) take the hint. Sure you can argue that are a lot of QRP kits out there to get them started. But, have you built one? You need a lot of savvy to be successful.
Don't give me that garbage about today's dollars verses yesterday's. As Dan has stated, how many parents (or anyone else for that matter) are going to shell out $1,500 to $2,000 dollars? Not many. There is a big difference between $200 and $2000.
Now that I have gone this far let me give you the other threat to the amateur community...just one more tidbit of food for thought. This medium right here (in my opinion) is the biggest threat to Amateur Radio. Think about it...you now have the ability to talk to anyone around the world and we can not only make contact; but we can see them as well. Think about that Mr. Manufacturer.
Bill Mechura
KB5DFM
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