I don't think the loss of cw is the demise of ham radio.  I still consider
it as much a hobby as it ever was.  It was a hobby for me back in 1968
when I got my general and still is today, although my interests are a
little different.  I never used, no liked cw.  I enjoyed the theory part
much more.  The rule isn't outlawing the use of cw, just the requirement.
If you like cw, that is great, and I'm glad you enjoy it.  I never did,
just wasn't my cup of tea.  I like building repeaters, tuning u duplexers,
computers and anything technical about the hobby.  I have built three i r
l p  nodes, including one I have at my house on my repeater.  I think the
knowledge and skills to accomplish these things is as much a source of
pride and enjoyment for me as the code is for you guys who like the code.
As far as a hobby of just buying and selling radios, how is keeping the cw
requirement going to change any of that.  How many of us have built a
radio in the last 30 years?  I know most won't agree with me, and that
really doesn't bother me much, just take a step back and try and look at
it without all the emotion and throw out the reasoning "well, I had to
learn cw, everyone else should have to learn it too."
73s
Butch Bussen
wa0vjr