Harley touring bikes are still that way. One screw to take off the seat, move the stuff around and the battery is there. Air filter is out in the open. Headlight is a few more screws, but not bad.
Living in IL, I am dreading the "assault gun" registration that everyone has to do before the end of the year. Once on a list in a database, its easy to be on lots of lists and databases.
As a fellow IT guy, good luck and great that you got out! (or will soon). Not having a work phone and dreading every email notification on your time off is worth a lot.
I will add in the TRSA area of Rockford. I went there once during my PPL training with the instructor, so I could experience it. No one seemed pleasant to talk to me.