Both DW and I have worked our careers in both SS covered jobs and non SS covered jobs. Not quite 50/50, but not 95/5 either (roughly 60/40 for one, 67/33 for the other). While there is a legitimate place for the concept of WEP and GPO, the powers that be had to make one set of rules that applies to everyone. Such a broad brush doesn't work out the same for all. And one of the weak points, IMHO, is for those who work substantial partial careers in each. The rules are designed more for 100/0.
There is something that I've always wondered about, but never found a concrete answer. How did the public pension get to qualify to not have to pay SS? I found something to the effect of - "Pension provides benefits substantially equal to SS". I saw this a couple of years ago somewhere on the SS site, but unfortunately I can't find it again to reference here.
Aside from being unable to find an objective calculation for that qualification which I was looking for at the time, I wonder what happens when things change?
In my case, both DW and I have a modest pension from work in Ohio (though different plans, one is STRS and the other is OPERS). There have been cuts to COLAs, amounts payable, years to qualify, etc. Is there some point where the reductions in pension benefits get to the point that the SS waiver gets revoked? I would imagine that would be a big deal to have happen.
And a little off topic, but her SS position was working as a teacher for a religious school. She has a modest pension through them, as well. But as a religious organization they are exempt from ERISA and PBGC. I couldn't even get enough info to see how well funded they are. That doesn't seem to be in the best interest of the employee.
One final comment... we, like many others, did not understand all this when we were starting out or took these positions. I wouldn't say they hide it, but it's certainly not volunteered. I agree with a prior comment that they should have to volunteer this info. I recall being at a state pension retirement info meeting for those close to retirement, and when WEP/GPO subject was brought up, first thing the presenter asked was who had heard of it. Only a couple of hands went up. One was mine.
Fortunately, we saved heavily and are of the belt and suspenders mindset, but I could see where some could be hit hard by unexpected declines.