> the vast majority of them are low maintenance and don't do or cost a ton. You just don't hear people complaining about those.

I've lived in a country ruled by a dictator. I can assure you - in most such countries the majority of the folks are happy with the status quo. It's only a small percentage that is badly abused. Therefore we should all be OK surrendering our rights to the government, right?

And so it is with HOAs. The majority don't screw you, but I don't want them to have the power to screw me.