Brian,
Interesting, thanks for sharing.
Amplifiers are something I really think the ham community needs to think about.
They exist, but like you say, but at outrageous prices. i.e.:
http://www.shireeninc.com/300-500mhz-20-watts-outdoor-amplifier/
I have been reading Dubus magazine (focused on microwave), hoping to
read more data oriented construction articles.
I am much in the same line of thinking. 1200 and 9600 is really not
worth re-deploying in 2014. The regulatory landscape needs some major
changes so that manufactures can put something different in the hands
of many.
Steve