You ask a very good question about the VEs who signed the forms and it ought to include an inquiry into the VEC, too, IMO. Full disclosure - I am a VE.
Well, I would suspect there is no social life outside of the alphabet circle of business-related associates. Therefore, the VEs are worthy targets for further inquiry.
Looking back at the first time that I looked at the digital modes, my thought was about transmitting in code or semi-obscure messages.
One of those kit radios from India or thereabouts have open frequencies that are well outside of the normal ARRL band list.
73s