> > That's all fine and dandy, but that still doesn't justify why one
> > can't encrypt. It's a radio frequency, it's not like you're stealing
> > someone's code and selling it.

If it's encrypted, that may be exactly what you ARE doing :-).
Or anything else commercial.
Being able to look over your shoulder is part of the tradeoff.

In exchange for the freedoms there are the checks and balances.
The rules of engagement are very very time honoured and very very well
thrashed out.
You don't have to like them but it's a certainty that you won't change them.
There are many many many people who would like a slice of the amateur
bands and bits and pieces have been lost along the way. Rocking the
boar is not going to help the retention of the bands for future use
so, along with the government you'd be fighting the amateurs who know
that by making too much noise they will make their lot worse not
better.
The tradeoff is, as variously noted, exceptional freedom to do one's
own thing compared to what is allowed in other quarters. Some very
advanced stuff indeed is done by amateurs, even nowadays.

 R
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