I am just curious what you guys think about this topic..

Too many Con's... Think there is way TOO much protection for anyone under the agreement (i.e. the four teenagers in Yokota, the idiot that stabbed the 16 year old girl and her adult friend, the idiot that killed the old woman, the idiot that killed the cab driver. The NPA should have been able to demand the immediate custody of these people for the purpose of justice. But that is just the tip of the iceberg... Lack of ability to get a local Library Card, lack of ability for family members to get a decent job (without any restrictions), lack of an actual local license (driver's), lack of ability to be considered a "resident" of the country you have lived in for over 15 years (personal).

Pro's...cheap car insurance & road tax. Don't have to pay resident's tax (I am willing to do that). I could go on and on, but since the Atsukan is starting to kick in I think I had best stop...

SOFA status provides some nice economic benefits but is a double edged sword. It also imposes some restrictions on your personal liberty (see Adam's post on the .....'Gag Order' thread). I lived in Japan for 3 years after retiring as a non-sofa resident and enjoyed my new freedom. USFJ, CNFJ and CFAY regs became irrelevant to me. I had access to the base and a sticker on my car and came and went as I pleased. I used all the facilities except for the Post Office and Bank (NFCU was ok).