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After 2017 rule change FRS and GMRS use same frequencies, except FRS cannot use repeater inputs 467.xxx0. Kids may be clean in the eyes of the law if they use FRS radios. Just for your information...

That's a pretty good summation. FRS/GMRS might be all you need. Some get a taste, and move on to Amateur radio. I've been an Amateur since 1992, but I was/am excited to see the popularity of GMRS taking off. Once you're used to VHF/UFH FM, it's hard to accept crappy AM (CB) radio communications. Like I said, a wide spectrum of society likes "Jeeping" and off-roading. Midland's marketing to that niche group will expand the use of the band as they discover uses for GMRS off the trail. It's all good. I have the abilty to transmit and receive across the VHF/UHF spectrum here at home. I don't really mind hearing the kids playing around on there (except for that non-stop call "ring"). That's what the bubble packs are for. It's a good way to spark an interest in electronics and communications.

I think group scanning is a terrific feature and useful for applications like the one mentioned. Many families designate a channel and use one or two repeaters, a quick-cycling scan through just a few channels ensures reliable coms for a family group. So funny for me to learn just now of the MXT575 in the pipeline as I installed an MXT275 in the bride's suv just yesterday. Really wanted a higher power radio, cost wasn't the issue, dashboard real estate was. Having the display on the mic was the single feature that drove me to that radio. Woulda gone with the Wouxan 1000g otherwise, which I think has a removable head unit, but even then room was scarce and the wiring up makes the install a much bigger challenge. I would absolutely upgrade to the MXT575. I sure hope they'll add an "auto-on" feature to enable the radio when starting up the car and add group scanning as well. However, my guess is that it'll be the exact same radio as the 275 with the only addition being higher wattage. (Note to self: email Midland.)

As a GMRS licensee they (and you) are required to use them. I live near Cincinnati. Around me, both repeater and simplex users alike seem to use them pretty religiously. There is even a local GMRS father that is teaching his 7 year old son to use GRMRs per the rules. Pretty cool seeing a father take his role seriously. Remember that GMRS shares 22 of 30 frequencies with FRS, and FRS users do not need to have a license and callsign, so one cannot always assume that those not giving there callsign are actual GMRS licensees. They could be simplex FRS users. Now, if you are hearing them truly from the repeater (not just simplex users using the main GMRS frequencies and code that you are), then yes they must have a license and must be using there callsign. Best way to get people to use their callsign is to lead by example. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM