The rude "gatekeeping" that a lot in the gmrs/ham community takes part in can be disheartening. I waited a long time to get my tech. because of these folks,but eventually I said "forget them" and did it anyway. Glad I did,but had it not been for that first contact when I called for a radio check, I may never had. You older guys need to be more welcoming to us newcomers,we will be the only ones keeping the hobby alive when you're gone.