There are some MPs in NYC (ie rub and tugs) that operate openly and have operated for years in some cases. So, my question is are MPs that offer "happy endings" legal? I guess they must be since they operate "out in the open".

But I can assure you that "happy endings" are NOT.

In fact, a licensed place has even more to lose than an unlicensed one as they can have their license revoked and lose their livihood.

I have gone to several legit MP around Boston and never once was there any hint that they would do extras, etc.

The tip off is that they always place a towel over you during the massage.  You do, nevertheless, get an excellent massage, usually.

And if you want, you can always jerk off in the shower afterwards.

If they are NOT legal, I do not understand how these MPs that offer "happy endings" are able to operate so openly and for so long. Something does not make sense. Maybe hand jobs are in fact legal. I think maybe they must be, at least under some circumstances.

Of course not.  Handjobs that you pay for is prostitution.  Last time I checked prostitution is illegal except in certain parts of Nevada.  MPs that operate out in the open advertising for MASSAGE, not handjobs.   Shit that happens behind closed doors is all under the radar. Massages are legal, as long as you are licensed by the city that you work in.  But even then there are tons of massage places that have unlicensed masseuses, they tend to get busted, that's usually the way a place gets shut down -- operating without a license.   Rarely are "stings" set up, it's too much manpower wasted and it's not a huge priority in the large cities.