[tomswartz07]

I see your point, but the argument is that if you're just getting started, $30 is a much easier pill to swallow.

As for your tests on the Baofengs, I'd be interested to see your sources and the exact models tested.

As a counterpoint: Here's a video of an Official Baofeng UV-5R being stress tested, and demonstrating how resilient the front-end is: https://youtu.be/KqVq2G9dY5Q

I don't think that a Yaesu HT would continue working after running without an antenna, but I wouldn't want to try it myself.