Rich,
As to how crap it is here in the UK if you dislike it so much there is no one making you return.
Boy, Jon, you're onto something. I suspect that the European impressions of Texas and the U.S. are not particularly favorable presently. Mind you that Trump's wall, unlike most recent experiences with such things, is not to keep people from leaving but to stop them from breaking through in droves. It may not be perfect here; to many it may seem like things really suck, but the option you suggest is readily available. Indeed, those of us who are tired of the whining would encourage and possibly subsidize that action, thus improving the average psychic well-being of those departing and the rest of us.
Us longtime Texans, by birth or choice, also marvel at how much crap and disdain we get from the the blue state elites (CA, NY, NJ, IL, MA, etc.), while they continue to lose their working-class base to our major cities. Many of us are puzzled and terribly concerned, however, that a substantial number of the 100k+/- transplants annually to north Texas don't bother to check their attitudes, expectations and demands at the border. Not too far in the future we'll be joining the blue state fossils and the diaspora to more hospitable environs will commence. New Zealand requires over $1 Million in assets deposited there plus ample annual income and healthcare insurance for a retiree to secure a two-year visa. I should ask Kalen if we could co-exist in UT, but I really don't like cold weather.
BTW, Rich is probably right that service is more highly rewarded in the U.S., but it may not be due to purer motives or greater appreciation. Though some of my mail is at times delivered several houses down, the annual photocopied (in color this year!) "Seasons Greetings" from our carrier never fails to arrive during the Yuletide. Ditto one from our newspaper "boy" (like caddies at most clubs, a 30+ adult). Funny how his aim and choice of dry days are greatly improved, ensuring the note and the papers are easily accessible and not soaked (the second Seasons Greetings, a reminder of sorts, also includes a self-addressed envelope, surely for my convenience).
With so many members losing their initiation fees due to a general decline in golf, we should be happy for the WPGC members good fortune. Bob Huntley used to take great pleasure noting that his membership at MPCC turned out to be one of his best investments (he cashed out at a multiple of his initiation fee and enjoyed many wonderful years there). A lot to be said for being located in a highly desirable area.