OffRoaderX

Even setting up a ham radio for use with GMRS repeaters can be challenging for us simpletons.   But a GMRS radio like the KG1000G or XS20G is very easy to setup. You dont even need the software, you can do it directly on the radio (but, it is easier with the software).
If simplicity is your goal for GMRS, then do not get a CDM1250, XTL5000 or a ham radio - get a GMRS radio.

Even setting up a ham radio for use with GMRS repeaters can be challenging for us simpletons.   But a GMRS radio like the KG1000G or XS20G is very easy to setup. You dont even need the software, you can do it directly on the radio (but, it is easier with the software).
If simplicity is your goal for GMRS, then do not get a CDM1250, XTL5000 or a ham radio - get a GMRS radio.

My Surecom SW-102 gives the same SWR readings as my RigExpert AA-650 antenna analyzier..
But the rest of your post was very impressive - You must be very smart!

I often get 1.1:1 - 1:2:1 on my MXTA26 and when I put it on a good groundplane I have seen 1.0:1 more than once. 

I agree..
I have put one up, and am [partially] responsible for getting a 2nd one up, covering most of Southern California.

Forgot to mention..Thanks for reminding me...  Always beware of the "some people" that try their best overcomplicate everything.

They ^ are correct - and upon reflection I can see that I was not clear: You may speak in any language that you choose on GMRS, however the FCC says thou must sayeth your callsign in English or morse-code.
My point was speak "normal language" as in, if someone comes in spouting alpha codes or other jargon, they will likely be laughed at.  and you dont want people laughing at you your first day on GMRS.

Just remember, smoke signals are line-of sight!

How close are the radios?  Try it with the radios at least 50 feet apart.

That’s not a petition; it’s a rant. I won’t sign it.

It doesnt matter, and only the hall-monitors care - as you can see very clearly in this and other online forums..

If you look close, 99% of them are actually sad-hams, disguised as GMRS operators.

It doesnt matter, and only the hall-monitors care - as you can see very clearly in this and other online forums..

Also beware of "some people" that will chastise you for even thinking about using an XTL5000 on GMRS and watch out for the "experts" telling you that you will go to jail if you get a copy of the XTL5000 software..

The hardest part about programming the XTL5000 is getting the software..
As for programming the radio:  I learned everything about how to program it by watching youtube videos - I have a friend that I could call for things that really confused me and he also learned everything from Youtube and various websites.
For most/many things, the programming is the same/very similar to the XTS5000 - seems there is more info out there for the XTS, which also helped me a lot. 

I agree..
I have put one up, and am [partially] responsible for getting a 2nd one up, covering most of Southern California.

Imagine living a life where you get so angry and butthurt over videos that nobody forces you to watch, that you then go around complaining and making up stories every chance you can..
We should all pray for sad people like this.

Also beware of "some people" that will chastise you for even thinking about using an XTL5000 on GMRS and watch out for the "experts" telling you that you will go to jail if you get a copy of the XTL5000 software..

Also beware of "some people" that will chastise you for even thinking about using an XTL5000 on GMRS and watch out for the "experts" telling you that you will go to jail if you get a copy of the XTL5000 software..

Also beware of "some people" that will chastise you for even thinking about using an XTL5000 on GMRS and watch out for the "experts" telling you that you will go to jail if you get a copy of the XTL5000 software..

You (and everyone) is welcome to join our National Net via Zello, every Thursday night at 7PM (Pacific).. No Facebook, no dues, no fees, no mandatory meetings.  See how here:  https://www.notarubicon.com/zello-gmrs-repeater/

According to the FCC Enforcement Database, since 2012, there are no ramifications.
Unintended consequences include more "pure" spectrum-use since virtually every LMR radio is better designed and has far less spurious output than pretty-much any consumer GMRS radio on the market.

No.. 
Although many hams do slum on GMRS in many areas, the main use for GMRS is utilitarian communication - ie; when off-roading and in a group, hiking, traveling with multiple vehicles, etc.
Sadly, it sounds like in your area many of the rag-chewers have taken over.. But once you get out of reach of their basements, like out adventuring in the desert or mountains, all their noise goes away.
I run a repeater, partially run another repeater which is one of the largest/most used in Southern California, and run a group - not only am i not a ham, most in the group are not hams either.