I'm not trying to critique the solution, I just think the decibel issue isn't so dire and other factors were more important. Which is supported by the way the problem was fixed.
As far as what was available at the time, I can't think of a super easy way to check that far back, but I will note that the 17dB stick antennas on Amazon have been available at the same price or cheaper for about 10 years.
As far as what was available at the time, I can't think of a super easy way to check that far back, but I will note that the 17dB stick antennas on Amazon have been available at the same price or cheaper for about 10 years.