To each their own...
Not a chance in hell I will ever subject myself to the random will of the mob, or the loudest and busiest bodies in my neighborhood, let alone pay them money in order to harass me.
But, hey, if you are okay with that, then by all means, enjoy your little enclave.
Is the HOA paying the mortgage?
Thought not.
It isn’t the HOA rules that are the biggest problem as you informed and you accept them going in. The far greater problem is subjecting yourself to the petty, wannabe mini-tyrants and incessant petty torments of neighborhood busybodies who comprise so very many HOA boards that can make your personal life and your personal decisions a living hell ... and give rise to a persistent desire to escape from your beautiful home.
Silliness. These rules are common in HOAs. I live in an HOA that is not strict at all. Which is fine, but there are some neighbors who need rules because they don’t care enough to maintain their landscaping or siding.
And there are people who pay others to physically hurt and humiliate them. It takes all kinds.