gamer_jim
Podcaster
ETA: having an unprogrammed HT with no knowledge of repeater and node frequencies is very close to having a gun with no bullets.
The analogy I use with people who think they can buy an amateur radio without a license is like having a gun without regular trips to the range. We have to be well practiced and know how the equipment works.
I'll say this again: it's really not that hard to pass the tech exam. A free exam prep guide is here:
https://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-no-nonsense-tech-study-guide-v1-1.pdf