..... "I really do not want to get involved with their 'safety requirements'.."

That's my thinking too and it's why a lot of people reregistered in Belgium.

A few years ago I wanted to charter the boat out but the charterers would not handle it without a certificate from the "Affaires Maritimes". The AF refused to give the cert because of the flag but said that the corrollary was I had no obligation to comply with their safety requirements. (I did anyway).

John

PS With respect to the VHF neither the UK nor the French wanted to take responsibility and so I have been without a licence since 1990.