From what I read from Bill Moore's post, the ARRL has got their last penny out of me. Charging per QSO is absurd, especially if you have already had your cards checked by a ARRL Card Checker.
_Eg: If someone has a first time ever Satellite VUCC with 250 QSOs the fees would be: ? $7.00 for the application $50.00 for 250 QSOs @ $0.20 each $12.00 for the certificate $1.00 for paperwork/sticker return ? His total would be $70.00_
I find that totally unacceptable. Yes, I know awards are getting expensive, but I think the ARRL is getting a bit GREEDY.
I think I will continue working for the AMSAT Awards and forget about the rest. I agree, AMSAT needs to have an AMSAT WAS and AMSAT VUCC Award. My ARRL Satellite VUCC came with the word "Satellite" typed on the certificate. Whatever happened to the term "OSCAR WAS" or "OSCAR VUCC"?
Sorry to rant, but I am getting feed up with the antics of the ARRL. And yes, I am a member. It's time to let your ARRL Leadership know your feelings.
73,
Bob Herrell AJ5C