Ham radio has been more than just the "last resort" communications method. It's been great for setting up ad-hoc communications when agencies don't have a realistic plan for backup communications. Unfortunately for hams, but great to see, more and more agencies have developed working backup communications. The American Red Cross even has their ECRVs now.

But ham radio is about as diverse a hobby as photography. Some hams do disaster relief. Some chat with their friends every day, some of whom they've never met. Some do dxpeditions - adventure travel. Some collect antiques. Some push the cutting edge of the technology. Some chase exotic contacts. Some do it for a couple years and then their radios collect dust on a shelf.