I would imagine the gas is therefore more expensive in those states.
Last question....do they wash your windows and check your oil?
With 5 refineries in eastern PA and 5 in NJ, gas is *very* cheap (it's expensive in PA only because of the $0.31 gas tax).
I don't know the reasoning....if any...in professional pumping of gas. When I was in Oregon the guy cleaned the windshield, checked the oil and eyeballed the tires. I guess you could say it was a maintenance/safety appraisal.
I know of many people who love full service stations. I guess that when I'm 80, I'll think the same way.
Re gas pumping. An atendant can pump maybe three-four times more gas per unit time per pump. So if real estate is a premium, a attended station is the way to go. Or in a very competitive area, because of the bigger volume.