1 for the most part GMRS is intended as a Family radio service. 2 cost. I have $$$ into 3 machines. my time, my $$, it is at my digression to let others use it. 3 people can be idiots. you want to act like a fool on my machines I shut them off. 4 this is not HAM as to being a member, you would have to ask permission and/or seek out the groups repeater you wish to use. given your location you should/could be hearing machines in LI possibly a couple of NYC machines.