Here in Leicestershire, we have quite a few repeaters in range, with GB3CF and LE being the most used, due to great coverage. However, it was clear from the outset, that these are really used like a long range CB radio network, and after my initial hellos and goodbyes, I haven't gone back on them. I have ONE exception, I use LE - the 70cms repeater, to sometimes reach some of the guys in the club, as they often monitor it, and don't have an antenna up for 2/70. But that's about it - even had a good chat with the repeater owner once, which was elightening.
But apart from those few exceptions, and whilst visiting other places - I use the handie simplex, and have had some great QSO's in the car, starting on the 2 and 70 calling frequencies, then moving off to a suitable frequency. I get far more entertainment from that, and that is what it's all about for me.
Now, like someone mentioned earlier in the list - I am a QRP fanatic, so HF is where I mainly live. But equally those chinese handhelds everyone hates, have been great for me - and I'd say without doubt 95% of their usage has been simplex.
They have opened the door for many idiots to plague the repeaters, but it's of no real loss to me - and I'd openly encourage those bothered by it to forget the drongo's and get off the repeaters. You don't need humungous antennas for 2 and 70 to have a good laugh, I've done wonders on low power with wire dipoles - and of course SSB activity on 2m can be really good.
