Todd,
My stance is not so radical as you think.
In my area, HOAs are virtually non existent apart from condo
communities.They just aren't necessary. In my town, single family
homeowners must take care of their property, mow the lawn,etc. in
accordance with local regulations. They can't paint their house a loud
or garish color and can't have a lot of junky cars in their driveways.
These local laws accomplish much of what HOAs do but without much of
the restrictions, and certainly they don't bring about added cost to
the homeowner.
I have more freedom to do what I want with my property, too. I can put
up whatever kind of fence I want, pave my driveway however I want, put
up whatever kind of siding or brick I want, plant whatever trees I
want, put in a swimming pool or jacuzzi if I want,etc.
I enjoy the freedom I have, and I am glad I am not in one of those
"cookie-cutter" type development where every house is identical. How
boring!
Also, property values in "developments" rarely increase the same way
homes outside of developments do.
Just my two cents, as always.....

Darren