Extra class hams ... really that dumb?

[n5wrx]

Most hams are hams because they have an interest in electronics and radio.
So why do we have Extra class hams that can not solder two wires together, install a coax connector, make a dipole antenna, or anyother simple basic task that any ham should know regardless of class.
Are they CB'ers that just want to talk and possess a good memory for test questions?

I would be ashamed of myself If I were an extra class ham and had to ask (or is it axe) someone else to install connectors on my coax cable.

[wb4m]

Yes they are. Part of the dumbing down to get more hams into the hobby. Much easier to lower standards than to educate people. What you mention are basic Novice license skills.

[w0bkr]

Kinda like complaining about the extra class ops that never learned the morse code...so what...

[KT6FI]

Please keep in mind that some of us "Extra Class" hams have been around a long time. I was first licensed in 1960 (yes, I learned code - the first digital mode). Many of us have worked professionally in radio (Techs, Broadcasting Engineers, etc). However at almost 70 now I find that things I did in my younger days (climb 170 ft towers to replace the lights) are difficult or impossible now. It is more difficult to solder Pl-259s onto stiff LM400 coax for example. Just a thought to keep in mind Jesse KT6FI