Interesting reads.
I was born in the UK but my mother is from HK and my dad is from China but he did live in HK for a long while. They both moved to UK (however as to when I'm actually quite unsure)
If I can remember so far back, I think I applied for my YP's ID card back in 2000/01ish, which I then switched to the new Smart Card when I turned 18.
My date of issue says 04-00 (I was born in '87 so if it is 2000, then I would've only been like 13 (unless they mean from the date of issue of my YP's ID card))
My card has ROA on it even on the back; They really should update the website so the 3-stars don't indicate over 18+ when really, if it did, all over 18s would have it.
It's not so much as a necessity, but I just find it bloody annoying that my cousins have the access to the fact of not having to come over every 3 years just to keep their status alive whereas I have to (granted I'm living in HK now but I might move back over to the UK in the nearer future)
Plus I wouldn't mind going to China for travels and play but I'm put off the fact of the $$$ for a VISA that only allows me to cross over for a small amount of time.
** Edit
Not trying to sound like an asshat about it, but my cousins really don't intend to really dwell over here and seriously, their communication in Chinese is laughable.