[BC] Can traditional AM and IBOC co-exist?

[Reader]

Submitted:

OK ... with the debate raging (all right, humming) again about the future, 
and so many of you lamenting the loss of traditional AM, why not ask the 
question this way:

Is it possible for AM and IBOC to co-exist on the long term?

Since AM stereo is all but dead, why not have the FCC invite IBOC only 
operation above 1600? Non-directional.

Slowly, the bottom of the dial (500- what, maybe  1000 or so) could be 
maintained with the existing AM radios, and the upper channels filled with 
hybrid, then transition to digital only.
Non-directional.

There really is no reason to totally kill analog AM ... White areas would 
have traditional AM operation, wide coverage for emergencies, etc. Digital 
would have its own area ... and the dividing point could be "dynamic" ... 
depending upon consumer demand.

Stations remaining at the low end of the band would be required to serve 
their region, and not just a major city.  White area coverage, too.

just a thought... or a pipe dream.....