Hi Jim, My response is that perhaps things have not changed much in 4 years, with opinions still currently being debated in respect of both the HF operations and working satellites . As you are aware the RSGB handling is now under a contract so it is little early to say what the impact will turn out to be in terms of time and cards still getting to destinations The cost of posting is of course now a key factor if you intend going direct or via a QSL manager, but if you want to ensure that you have a quick response,this is still the way to do it. However my own opinion and of others is that even when you include cash or payment it is still not 100% At one time I used to send out cards for every contact that I made, but of course that was mainly on HF, it did take time and money and like our club special events we do only get about a 25% returns Printing cost as you have experienced have risen as well as postage adding to the difficult times and exchange rates Main factors are by those that enter contests, go for IOTA or generally want a collection or first card! The problem is that in respect of contests and awards the "E - qsl " method is not accepted I regret to say. Usually also if you do use this method ( and I would say many do ) you may be asked to send off details of your licence etc so that it is registered to count for certain awards.
I have found recently that I received cards dating back for contacts over 4 years ago , Others like myself have had complaints from hams asking why I have not sent out a card - Many appear to have gone astray and may be due mail / delivery collection / lost items / or other reasons ?
If you are speaking in terms of satellite contacts only , then I think that my experience is that a QSL direct has always been a very positive way of doing things and with such a low number contacts the expense has not been a bother. I do see however various bones of contention on the BBS and that might be because of the bad times with finance and security. Many have been asking why the electronic method cannot count for awards and perhaps you might like to look this up via the ARRL web site. There was even comments about "Verification of your location " using a GPS and photo showing the reading. But that was in the USA with its large area and grid squares that are being chased.
I hope my input will help - And by the way I am just as guilty about response times whether it is eqsl, snail mail or the bureau. Personal problems have contributed to this but in general I just don't know where time has gone. Cheers Ken de GW1FKY.
PS - With respect to your mail and support for the rally, I would very much like to join you and help out but I think that the distance with a return trip maybe just a bit to much for me, but I will consider it nearer the time.