Dennis Johnson wrote:
Newps,

I've always found your postings here helpful and a valuable
perspective on the air traffic control system. I'm not disputing the
wisdom of your suggestion to have the transponder in the "ALT"
position whenever it's on, including while on the ground, but the AIM
says,
4-1-19 a.3. ...transponders should be adjusted to the "on" or normal
operating position as late as practicable prior to takeoff and to
"off" or "standby" as soon as practicable after completing landing
roll...
I know the AIM is not regulatory, but I often find comfort in
following its suggestions in the hope that it represents genuinely
good advice. Do you think that this passage from the AIM represents
outdated policy that is no longer relevant?

Thanks,
Dennis

The AIM statement and having the Xponder set to ALT when it is on are not
counter to one another.