Why do you ask?
IMO, if Puerto Rico can self sustain, economically, no. However, strategically, the US would have to retain some territory militarily, e.g., Ft Buchanan & the high ground.
This would mean, however, that Puerto Ricans would have to survive without US aid/money. I don’t know what that economy would look like there, or, the working situation. Barrios after dark are their own experience.
I will say that I don’t like most of the hotels. They’re a garish and boring contrast to the way the people live. Also, the cruise ships in town remind me of the Navy being in port.
Why do I ask?
Because my wife ran a Deli for Albertsons for thirty years and hired many from Puerto Rico. I was in the Army and worked alongside many and they too were proud Americans.
Good people mostly but I do not know enough about the issue of independence to make any educated talk so I ask for info from some who may know more.
That’s all.
You sounded like you have a clue.
I go to Key West and have asked them folks there about the cruise port and they say that it is the cheapest way to go on vacation. You eat and drink on the ship and go ashore only to get a t shirt or hat or some crap trinket and they mostly are a waste.