I, like you OP am in the minority as well and let Kaji off leash all the time. I don't do that everywhere, like in my busy downtown LA neighborhood because it isn't safe. But at the park, or walking in the suburbs where my brother lives, to name a few. Kaji is very obedient and always comes when I call him. It also helps that Kaji hates people and will never leave or run to anyone he doesn't know. He runs back to mama instead.
