Rick,
As I previously stated, you are absolutely correct, and with the use of cages it works tremendously well. However, two years ago, a simple little repair on a leaking mainstop clamp proved to be the "service from Hell" in terms of my budget. You see, the main was about 2.0 m off property. Now my crews did not have a cage for repairs, and therefore had to excavate in accordanc ewith WCB. The propoerty just happened to have a beautifully finished brick and stone decorative wall, complete with wrought iron ornates, completely within their property. The leaking clamp caused settlement and surfaced near the cc, which was outside the property line per specifications. The long and short was the wall was damaged both from the leak and excavations and cost us a small fortune to restore, all under the watchful eye of her solicitor. I've had some other costly repairs too close to property lines in well established neighbourhoods.
The moral of the story is that the majority of the main repairs that were similar in nature, if out in the street, would have been far easier to deal with than so close to the property line. I've spec'd both alignments and have had good results, but when longterm maintenance costs and headaches are factored in, I would advise a street alignment over boulevard alignments.
Those are my thoughts, and to be honest, I think it comes down to opinion, because your practices are absolutely correct as well. Have a good weekend, and....GO ESKS GO!
KRS Services