Like you I learned at an International airport and I was also concerned about losing the RT skills. I joined a no equity grouip at an AG (occasionally) airfield . It really isn't a problem as with our weather I have twice so far had to go back for currnecy check at flying school after exceeding the 28 days between flight required by the insurance company. We just trnasmit blind at all usual points. My only concern has been the microlights , which have no radio. It seems odd to me that their circuit height is 500 and GA at 800. I am always squirreling about trying to see below the nose to be sure there is no one there. My major problem that I had not anticpated is getting the aircraft in/out of T hangar. Due to my age and arthritis I find heaving the door up exhausting and although we have a little garden tractor to pull a/c out I am always jumping off to check clearnace as I try to reverse it in. Howver this is nothing in the big picture. I say go for it. You will still use the radio as much when airborne and the benefits are great.