The same HOA law is used for condo's, where there really is a need for this kind of power.
In a condo, association dues aren't just for maintaining the community pool. They are also used to pay for shared utilities, like water, and even cable TV (it's cheaper when you buy service for everyone from the cable company). I've also seen condo buildings that share hot water generation, and that hot water may be used for heat in the winter.
Condo association fees are also used for exterior maintenance: painting, repair, etc. of ALL of the buildings. So, it can easily be $100's per month, and will add up quickly. If even a few owners don't pay, it puts the association in a cash flow bind, and the rest of the owners have to make up the difference.
So why paint individual single family home owners with the same brush? This is not analagous to the condo situation.