There's following the rules, and then there's saying not to do something because it will cause the end of the world. Using a base loaded antenna fixes a 'problem' the some users have with ungainly antenna's. It's not better, worse, or dangerous. It's different that's all. Although it may be against AMA rules and technically it's probably against FCC rules considering the antenna is part of the RF broadcasting portion of the radio, changing it to any other part that was not type certified for use with that radio is technically illegal. It's also technically illegal in most places for ambulances to speed or run lights but you show me a cop that's going to arrest one for it =)