Mine took only 3 weeks to get back in mail. I too have the Green strip for Non-Res Class A Large Cap. Temp / Restrictions: NONE.
YOU DO need to be more specific when giving a reason for carry. Come on, this is MA. you're trying for. The class/course I took (3 of them) at the time which was given by an NRA instructor gave us a list of "reasons" to use and told us, "do not just write..for protection". I thought about it and chose the one/s that seemed more applicable for me. I'm going to renew mine come this June. As far as spending $100. for year? So what.....it's well worth it. Hmmmm, $100. or my life.....hmmmm? Better Non-Res than a Resident for sure (right Capo?)!
Keep the Faith, Peace.
(All the above are MY opinions/suggestions ONLY....AND, I like to bust ball's, it's called having a sense of humor. In other words, no intent to offend anyone, so get over it)