Some astonishing replies of professionals in the field. Let's hope readers won't take your careless suggestions and wish mods post this sum-up right after my original post.

Why do you post if you care so little? This sure isn't a topic for backpackers but for ones who try to make a difference. I hope there are some of those on this board.

I am experiencing a decline in the young locals' capabilities to cope with English language today; and, when I compare their communication skills today versus 13 years ago, I see some hard to comprehend differences. Understandably, the level of English some major cities locals demonstrate may differ from the one small town young people master. Yet, I see a worrying downword trend overall. What some other foreign experts experiences are would interest me.