>Well, I don't think that most techs are going to know how to generate a kW
>of power at 2 GHz, unless they do something stupid like take apart a
>microwave oven.

There's about one in every house..

>Also, if I remember correctly from my Tech test, there are
>questions in the pool about microwave safety (i.e., don't look into a
>waveguide, don't operate more than 1 W or so around people, and don't do
>anything with lots of power unless you know what you are doing). If you are
>dense enough to look past these suggestions, then you are probably going to
>get yourself killed somehow anyway.


True, but the tech exam really dosen't require enough tech, imho, to be
messing about with the power levels that you're authorized to use.  I'm one
myself, and although I'd be affected by it too, I'd be willing to compromise
in the interests of safety.  I can't imagine that it would affect my
operations much or at all, and I don't know many that would.

>In addition, in my experiance, even most Extra class hams know little about
microwaves.

Well... I'd say it's a lot more likely that they have an appreciation for
the hazards involved, and how to safely work with high power.

>So, unless you are arguing that no hams be allowed >10W above 450 MHz, then
I must disagree.


I don't see a need to extend the restriction to all hams based on the idea
that some might not be able to handle it.
I think it's reasonable to assume that someone who passed the general etc
exams is more likely to be able to use that kind of power safely.

Again, I'm casting myself out with the bathwater, When I passed my tech, I
kept going in the theory till I flunked.. I flunked extra by 1 point, no
studying.  So, I'm one of the exceptions to the idea that the tech class
probably dosen't have enough theory/experience to handle what they've been
granted.