However, it is useful to do so. Notwithstanding that GPRS has plenty of
bandwidth for 'text only' applications, a raw undecoded TAF for even the
filthiest weather forecast will fit on one screen on my cell phone.

This is true. Once you've learned the lingo, "METAR" is a very handy
language to know. (I get it on Pilot MyCast, too...)

Unfortunately, IMHO it's just another stupid thing that needlessly
weeds out potential pilots. Newbies look at the gibberish on the
screen, are told they must learn to understand it, and find somewhere
else to spend their disposable income.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"