Having listened to the vhf for decades, even when it was the only radio telephone service, I think the CG VHF procedure was part of the problem. Radio requires certain procedures to function, but CG was so slow and clunky that they started asking, "Do you have a cell phone", soon after they became popular. I think they were exasperated.

I still turn my VHF on out of habit. I've been on the water for many hours this season, I haven't heard a call. Even "Radiocheckradiocheck", banter is down. I hope we don't lose VHF use, I'd miss it. Weather still works, I like that with my morning coffee....