DME A
In reply to #6:
As I recall, DME A was superior to "International" DME, in particular that it operated on one frequency, as opposed to individual frequencies for each DME "I" installations. DME A eventually lost out, not because it was inferior, but because of market domination. A bit like the VHS/Beta video recording systems.
So, having a go with DME A wasn't a folly; if things were a little different, it would have been a world beater.
You seem to suggest that we, in Australia, should never have a go, just sit back and wait for someone else to innovate. Not the way I like to see the country headed.
I guess some people always think foreign has to be better, Aussies aren't up to it. Sad really. Still, there is Vegimite....