I agree that the plethora of other com capability, much of it better, is the prime reason for the decline of Ham operations. The FRS/GMRS takes place of the 2m, is cheaper and does not require everyone to be licensed. Great for hiking and travel.
Actually GMRS requires a license and it is relatively costly. FRS/GMRS is very very very short range due to limitations of power and antenna, and in my view are not very good at all for hiking or travel.
In a theme park where FRS radios will work (in range and in sight), there can be so many others using the same frequencies that you essentially cannot communicate.
A decent ham handheld will have more power and a much better antenna, and little if any interference with others. A much better solution and the license is easy to get to.
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