I think that the power limit for Field Day should be limited to100 watts maximum for all station classes, just as it was in 2022. First of all, it will make a more even playing field for everyone. The "Big Gun" class D home stations with a tall tower and a non-compromized antenna (like a beam) have a very big advantage (even though they are only using 100 watts) over many stations out in the field using compromised antennas with a barefoot 100 watt station. Furthrmore, those "Big Gun" home stations seem to dominate the bands during Field Day making it difficult for some of us "Little Pistols" to make contacts. According to the results of a 2022 ARRL survey of over 15000 individuals, it was decided by the ARRL to make the maximum power output 100 watts for all classes of stations. Why was that changed to 500 watts for class A,B,C, E, and F stations in 2023?

Now that the Covid-19 pandemic has officially been declared over by the U.S. President and other government agencies, and most people are back to their normal pre-pandemic life, we should change the rules back to not allowing class D stations to contact other class D stations, the way that it used to be before Covid-19. This would also help level the playing field, at least in my humble opinion.

I thorougly enjoy Field Day, but these rule changes have made it less enjoyable, at least for me and some of my fellow club members. I get frustrated trying to make contacts when the "Big Gun" class D home stations seem to be dominating the bands with big signals. The 500 watt class A,B, C, E, and F stations do not help matters much either.