How effective? Well, I can make HF contacts any time I want to. The interesting part is when I want to contact a particular station, say a DXpedition. It is then that the limits show... Lobey patterns on some bands, NVIS-like on others. I can hear more than I can work.
Its silly to say I may gain db's from going to another mode like going to FT8 to CW if we don't like FT8. The going to a different mode rationale is nonsense. The best thing to do is first increase the gain of your antenna system which will give you reciprocal benefit. Its ham radio 101 guys.
Inefficient stations are only as inefficient as you allow them to be. Even if it's a wet noodle hidden in the attic of a condo in an HOA, spend the time to get it in the clear and as well tuned as best you can - and buy decent coax and connectors. And yes, digital can make a narrow bandwidth antenna like Hamsticks usable. My humble Public Service Announcement
It's amateur radio !!!! But I will tell you one thing about antennas, The best antenna is one that is "In The AIR & On The AIR" . Without doing a lot of calculations I bet that quadruples your efficiency!!!! K0UO Rhombic and Vee Beam Antenna Farm. https://www.k0uo.com
