There are benefits to a HOA. As renters we've been in several. It does help with the riff raff and the Sanford and Son's front yards. But is also an acquired taste for those who yearn to live free and don't want a note every time the garbage cans stay out two minutes too long
Our HOA and CCNRs are pretty tight- e.g., all of the things I listed above part of the dealio (no RVs parked on property, no Sanford and Sons, no VRBOs). You also have to get approval for stuff like new paint colors. But no one seems to stress minutia about how long the cans are left out.
Because of the density of our hood - the lots are small at like .13 acres - I think tighter rules are a necessity to keep everyone in harmony. If you yearn to live free, then you need to buy in a more relaxed subdivision or better yet, get a 5 acre piece of dirt.
Not more than a half mile from our place is an 80s area sub division where you can park a RV or boat in the driveway and open an in home hair salon. Doesn't have nearly as much curb appeal but FREEDOM!!