If my remarks came across as “shaming,” I apologize. They were intended as encouragement. Yes, FM is cheap and easy, but the level of operator skill necessary to get QSOs on a crowded channel is daunting. The skills necessary to put together a linear station are more on the technical side. That’s a challenge, but it can be fun to get there.
And I apologize for misunderstanding. I do agree that linears are way more challenging than FM (and I remember how frustrated I was when I couldn't make contacts with a couple of baofengs on SO-50!!!).
The true shame is that all mode full duplex transceivers aren't more common! But having worked in the consumer electronics sector before, I understand that our tiny little market isn't likely to push the big manufacturers in that direction anytime soon. I can't blame them for not wanting to lose money on R&D and production tooling. :)
--Roy K3RLD