As I stated, my HOA doesnt mess with me and I never hear from them.
You guys that live rural or in the Mts on land that I get and I would agree with you about hoa's up there.
My hoa keeps the common area lawns mowed, trees pruned, mulch looking nice and fences painted and for the $75 bucks a year i pay for it that money is well spent and I could care less.
Im a smart enough guy to know that when the paint on my house looks like ass after 10 years its prolly time to paint it. I dont need big brother sending me a note telling me to. Its common sense and I handle it.
Call me a hoa nazi all you want. In MY situation it doesnt bother me...YMMV.