I don’t think either of us (or anyone else) knows how unusual my HOA is. What I do know is that condos are a separate breed because of the lack of private areas making them somewhat apart.
Also, neither of us can explain why we don’t hear lots of HOA resident hams complaining. There is clearly some but it appears many are also content with their situation(s) which in part can be a result of the flexibility of their HOA. We just don’t know so again, there is no basis on which to imply mine is unique.
As for the dictatorial nature of some, it’s somewhat baffling why residents allow that given these positions are elected and therefore easily removed/replaced.
What baffles me is that most (not all) of the anti-HOA folks on this forum have never lived in one. They automatically assume that just because there are some rules associated with living in a community, their God-given "rights" are taken away. That's fine, don't buy a house in one. But don't post an opinion on something that you have no experience with.
We're rather private people that don't really spend much time with our neighbors, so in the three HOA's we've lived in, I don't how many people have clashed with the HOA's. What I do know is that, like any responsible people, we take pride in the appearance of our property, respect the privacy of our neighbors, and don't consciously upset the apple cart with non-compliance of the CC&R's. Therefore, no problems with the HOA, and we enjoy where we live. I've never tested the "flexibility" of the rules (never asked for an antenna variance), but I still have stealth antennas that no one can see, no RFI problems, and am still able to enjoy our hobby without any repercussions. Depending on any crazy people on an HOA board, your mileage may vary

.