You are right that for most conversations for those around you, you will not need more than half the power. But I don't like to fish in the crowds, and often will be more than a couple miles from friends of mine, let alone emergency personnel. Our little handhelds are not likely to step on anyone except those in our immediate vicinity. And even at lesser watts you are probably going to step on someone transmitting from a mile away to somebody near you. Battery life is a good point if you are on a limited recharge excursion. And you are also right that we could all do with some better radio etiquette. The original poster just asked what minimum requirements we would want in a radio, not the minimum settings we may choose. When you are a mile and a half off Manhattan Beach pier and you have an emergency, and have to contact either Redondo Beach or Marina Del Rey harbor authorities you will be glad to have a couple extra watts. Or , at least that is my thinking.

All good points. I was just wondering if everyone stayed on high power all the time. Like I said, in my experience (I hate people too) even on motherships, I haven't ever gone to 5w and can communicate with who I want/need to well enough. Like I said if I was in distress, I would broadcast at 5w.

I've responded to radio checks @2.5w where I was surprised I was heard.

Paddle on.