This wasn't my experience at all, nor the experience of most every expat I know. After 6 years of working in LA, I got a massive raise to move to Europe, plus a bunch of moving benefits to make it painless, including one homeleave trip per year for me, and eventually my wife and children when they came into the picture. Usually if a company is willing to hire you over all Europeans, they are willing to make it worth your while.
As far as over-regulation, personally I made a few trips in the beginning to the immigration office, and I needed to carry my passport and other papers when I travel, and there is a car safety inspection each year. Otherwise, I haven't experienced any cumbersome over-regulation.
I don't think immigration is a problem where I live, or for that matter, in the United States. I think it is great mingling with all the various European cultures, not to mention the non-Europeans who also moved to Europe. Both my company, and my new country, have exposed me to many nationalities and cultures. Every year there is an International Festival where all the expats from all countries get together to share foods and trinkets from their culture. Makes a great one-stop shopping place for Xmas presents. One thing I truly appreciate is the variety of authentic restaurants. And the beer. The cost of living wasn't a shock as I moved from LA and prices were pretty similar, as were the income taxes.
I have no complaints about healthcare delays either. Over the last 30 years, I've gotten everything I've ever needed promptly, never experiencing this mythical long waiting period for me, or my children. For example, when I developed runner's knee, I was promptly able to see a sports specialist doctor, get an MRI which cost me a small co-payment, which was partly re-imbursed, and then a prescription for 8 "free" sessions of physio and ultrasound therapy over the course of two months. After 5 sessions, my knee was better, so the guy cured a shoulder problem and a posture problem I had too.
And I had no problem buying a 3-bedroom standalone house together with my wife, nor was I ever worried about things like a school shooting.
I haven't mentioned non-American benefits like the 25 days of paid vacation per year, which grew to 28, and all the great nearby destinations to visit, either for a long weekend, or an extended 3-week vacation.
I left America when it was arguably greater than today, before the student loan debt crisis, before the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, before the Internet bubble burst and housing crashes, and before all the current divisive politics and hatred. There are so many ways the move to Europe has benefited me, with virtually no drawbacks or regrets, except fewer opportunities to see old friends and family in the states.