People tend to overstate a lot of the cost issues. Yes, gas is expensive but it’s a small island so you drive a lot less. Cost of school is a big factor, though, especially as you get into the high school years. Basically you have homeschool (a lot of families do this) or suck it up & pay a lot ($600-$2K monthly per kid) for private school.

Generally, it’s far away, pretty remote, and just generally a much different lifestyle. A lot of people just aren’t interested in moving that far away from friends & family, or are very comfortable living in the US suburbs & not interested in the change. If you’re not really excited about water access & island life, you’ll likely get bored- especially now while travel around the region is so restricted.

Although the scheduling flexibility is really great, the flying itself isn’t the best in the system. Limited destinations & lots of all-night flying. Can be harder on some than others. (Flying is still very restricted due to CIVID, so it’s hard to know how it will be rebuilt once Asia opens back up for travel.)

Lastly, it’s a three year commitment for a paid move both ways & a lot of people just don’t feel they can commit to that timeline. Moving back can also prevent some challenges if you are not planning to return within 200 miles of a pilot base.

The positives are real, IMO, but not for everyone. Good thing, too, since it’s such a small base.