Another new guy here.
Generally speaking, I do agree with the general sentiment of leaving "repeater building" to those dedicated to quality, stability, and coverage...and who can afford it. I get it. You can really fubar things without much effort. You can also come up with installs that are stellar and serve the purpose.
BUT, it still begs the question that keep seeing so many asking of how to set up SHTF communications among family and friends where simplex won't work, and there's no repeater. And use cases can vary greatly. My BIL (who simply does not want to get a ham license) and I are separated by hilly and forested terrain such that simplex via HT is completely out of the question. Decent antennas mounted high and a Wouxun kg-1000g at each site MIGHT go a long way to providing a solution. But the idea of being able to install a "casual use" repeater that would not only tie together such sites, but provide intermediate HT contact as well is extremely compelling. And I get it. Such a repeater install still required the proper antennas, height, and equipment. It's just that given today's advancements, it really surprises me that the only really affordable "plug and play" solution barely puts out 20 watts.
Anyway, very interesting and informative thread....
Jim Barr, WRNQ679, N9ONL