If you look around on the ham radio sites on the internet, you cannot fail to notice that QRP operating is very popular. There are good reasons for that; it's easy to build QRP gear and it is generally small, light and suitable for portable operating. 

However, some people do find QRP operating can give rather disappointing results. There are many reasons why this might be including the fact that low power transmitters are all-too-often paired up with low efficiency antennas. Another factor is the myth that some QRPers pedal that its just about signal strength. There are any number of websites that tell you that dropping from 100 Watts to 5 Watts is just about knocking a couple of S points off your signal. This is misleading.

Reduced signal strength is arguably the least important difference reducing your power makes. Here are two others to think about:

1. With QRP the bands are open for less time. Sure QRP does not change band conditions but your ability to make contacts will depend upon conditions being a little better than higher power stations will need. Your bands will open later and shut earlier.
2. Your range will be reduced. There is a clear relationship between range and power. Your DX prospects will be significantly reduced by running QRP. The days per year when DX will be possible for QRPers will be less.

QRP is great fun and a fine challenge; but it's not just the "S meter" that will be affected. 

We need more operators - QRP or not, but let's make it clear what QRP really means.