Which of the following is a characteristic of good traffic handling?

The characteristic of good traffic handling primarily revolves around the principle of passing messages exactly as received. This approach ensures accuracy and integrity in communication. When messages are transmitted without alterations or omissions, it maintains the original intent and content provided by the sender. This is crucial in amateur radio, where the goal is to ensure that every message is conveyed properly to avoid misunderstandings or miscommunications.

In amateur radio traffic handling, the focus is on reliable and clear communication, especially during emergencies or when important information is conveyed. Upholding the exact wording and format of messages also preserves the necessary legal and procedural contexts that may be relevant to the message's content.

The other options involve aspects of decision-making and editorial judgment, which do not align with the primary tenet of traffic handling. While those other aspects may be useful in certain contexts or systems, they deviate from the fundamental practice of ensuring that messages are relayed as they are received. This reinforces the need to prioritize message integrity in the realm of amateur radio communications.