To Cage or Not To Cage?

Greetings.
   
I have a 14 year-old Quaker parrot that only goes back to his cage when he is hungry or wants to go to bed. I have his cage tethered so it won't open any farther than for him to get in and out. I do this so the cats don't hop inside his cage. He is spoiled, as he eats everything we eat, whether it be pizza, spaghetti, cereal, or just about anything else. I haven't locked him in his cage for as long as I can remember. That would be like locking one of my children in a closet or something. Unless I or my wife are home, he sees no reason to leave his cage. He is fully flighted and has no desire to go outside at all. He is my best snugglebird. He is quite affectionate, as he will rub my face like a cat. He likes to have his neck rubbed and his beak stroked. He will come to us for this. He is not afraid of the cats, but does avoid them for the most part. So, I would say this; clip his wings for the first several years so he has to rely on you for transportation. Keep him in his cage for as long so he will look to his cage as his room. After that, allow him full range of your house, because he will want to be on your shoulder all the time. He will most likely greet you when he knows you are home. This has worked for us for the last 14 years, so I know it will work for you.