Bruce,
Excellent commentary!
I'm heavily involved with emcomm, and I have managed to generate some interest in the local group regarding satellites. That said, there are some show stoppers, at least when using LEO birds. It take a fair amount of theoretical understanding to get to the point where operating practice can yield functional capability.
I'm having quite a training load just getting all of our members functional with APRS and Winlink as well a voice net procedures, it will be some time before the group is ready to tackle satellite operations. If/when P4 Lite becomes a reality, integrating it into the emcomm system will be more than just being able to point a dish at the bird and getting a link going. Even with the best digital modulation technologies bandwidth will still be limited, smart operators on the ground prioritizing traffic routing will be essential. P4 Lite will not make any current emcomm technologies obsolete, it will be an additional tool in the communicators toolbox (albeit a nice shiny chrome plated tool with ergonomic gel cushion handles <grin>). P4 Lite will move the skill set from just being satellite operators to being communications system managers. I'll bet there will be challenge enough for all.
I think that the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course (ARECC) is a good functional template to start with. Hopefully, there will be opportunities for guys like me who can't help with satellite construction, but who can put together a coherent English sentence (present e-mail missive EXCLUDED <grin>) to get involved with developing the courseware.
Vy 73,
John AA2BN AMSAT #22683