sab,
I guess a combination of all the reasons you listed. You will find that most locals tend to avoid the strip. I find going there boring. For reasons I can't understand people are shocked that I don't go there every chance I get. My brother flies into Vegas about every 6 weeks to gamble and go to the strip joints in the naked city. He goes to the strip more than I do. Maybe I am burned out going. I prefer to gamble at the station casinos. My favorite is Green Valley Ranch and Sunset.