Sorry for the delay
One of the reason you become a resident is to follow the law ( Although, I admit it can be vaguely applied in the DR). I believe you need to establish residence to get health care, a valid driver's license and car insurance, I may be incorrect but it may be need to own or sell property, open a valid business, get a cell phone in your name, turn on the power to house. As the moderator point out, (DR Rob if i am not mistaken) if you are coming to live in the DR, you want to become part of your community. This way you have a say or a reason to complain about taxes and misuse of public funds, high petro prices, lack of customer service, a poor educational system, the sex tourist and working guys and girls. Maybe even run for public office-you can't be president but you can become an elected official. Other than that if you choose not to become a resident-you are a tourist, and get the treatment all tourist get-gringo priced, the need for a return ticket, paying the tourist visa fee. Now, I am not a resident of the DR, but I do plan on becoming a resident of DR in the future. I plan on getting my citizenship, because it's a little easier process, because I get it through birth right. Until I get my citizenship, I am a tourist, and will pay my overstay fee (if I am asked to by the airport official).
Ray718