HOA's are ultimately run by the homeowners themselves. It's right there in the name. If the HOA is such a problem, elect different people to the board and change the rules.
An HOA that has $500/mo dues and 240 homes pulls $120,000/mo yet we have to cut our own grass, follow their paint scheme, follow their trash rules, keep our roofs new, front door clear, driveway clear, and packages out of sight.
EDIT for those downvoting, here's some cases for ya...
https://www.wlrn.org/local-news/2022-11-16/prosecutors-hoa-b...
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/release.page?Mduid_release=...
https://wsvn.com/news/investigations/arrested-again-ex-avent...
https://www.volusiasheriff.gov/news/volusia-county-sheriff/f...