Just last week over Rockford, IL, I was beginning to wonder. Then I
heard another plane asking for a radio check. The controller responded
wit hthe local altimeter.

Some time last year, I keyed up and said, "South Bend approach, radio
check?" The response was, "The lone voice in the wilderness! 8SA,
loud and clear, you are my only airplane right now."

I said, "Okay, if you'd like something to do, I'd like direct
destination."

His response was, "I already checked that, continue direct CRATR,
Detroit's request, for traffic."

"Okay." Pretty cool that he already tried for me.

"I see a few planes coming from Chicago, things will pick up in a few
minutes."

.... and they did.