I have a non-resident LTC Class-A no restrict that expired 10/11.

I am debating renewing as they will be having the mandatory meetings in Chelsea every 6 years as opposed to yearly.

I travel interstate every day in the north shore and have family with a large wooded property that I shoot at (with them as they have resident licenses).

They changed the wording on the application since my license has lapsed and for non-restrict I need to show fear of bodily injury. In the past I used the reason that I shoot at a local range in MA after work and that I carried to work (approved) so that I could stop on my way home.

I am trying to feel out if the juice is worth the sqeeze since the wording changed.

Is a expired Class-A no restrict better than a valid Class-A restricted?

Imho no, you're definitely better off with a Class-A restricted. At least if anything were to happen it shows you have the intent of being a law abiding citizen and just had to protect yourself. Again, I'm not a lawyer, just my opinion.