A good discussion. I will admit a certain amount of diversion from HiFER beacon work as I tinker with other projects in the ham world... But it was precisely HiFER activity that was an important stepping stone to getting licenced.There has also been a lot of detrimental solar activity of late, and my observations on 22m have coincided with a pretty flat band. Such was the case for our club's field day station as well! And that is before major events such as the big Solar storm in May. Yet still, I think many of us are keen to continue the science and general activity on 22m and elsewhere.
I don't think radio is dying, but it is changing, and has many things with which to compete for people's attention. There is still the opportunity for a good core of enthusiasts to exist if the outreach is effective.
Just one man's opinion, of course.
P.S. PVC is likely off air for the rest of the month, but will be restored - I will update accordingly.
Ed KO6BLM