John -
I'm sorry that I haven't seen this earlier, but I confess that I haven't regularly checked the forums over the past couple weeks. If there is ever anything that I can address for you in a more timely manner feel free to email me using the contact link.
I believe that the intent and hoped for result of the witness requirement was to help motivate the more advanced members, such as yourself, to find some hapless friend and drag them through the program to serve as witness. I have actually seen this work on more than one occasion, I suspect that others have as well. In other words, the easy way for this to happen would be for you to help your level I witness become a Level II witness by passing along your wisdom and expertise.
I do agree that times and technologies have changed dramatically. However, it's still beneficial to drag folks together and force them to interact and help each other. I'd also note that if you are short of witnesses for your level V tasks you're really going to have a tough time finding contests that qualify.
Best of luck,
Rob Glover, LSF Secretary