Just about every city and/or county now requires developers to establish Covenants, and HOA's when putting in a new development/neighborhood. The reason they do that, it removes a lot of responsibility that the govt entity would normally be required to handle, i.e. less manpower, less costs, etc. Now the HOA is responsible for collecting HOA fees, and using those fee's for maintaining neighborhood parks, greenbelts, roads, sidewalks, swimming pools, etc. Things the City or County traditionally did in the past.
I have heard of some developments, once the HOA is established after the developer is finished, have all voted to disband the HOA, and make all covenants invalid. Usually the development rules, bylaws, covenants, etc. are officially recorded at the city/county clerk's office, and becomes a legal document. So if the HOA votes, and does away with all rules, it's legally binding. You could leave one rule in place that says if the HOA is ever reestablished, it will take all 100% of the home/property owners to agree or approve all new rules or covenants.
I live in a private subdivision with HOA and rules. The only reason we have the HOA is to ensure the roads are maintained, and for snow removal. Otherwise, no issues. We pretty much get along with each other, and many of us shoot in our backyards, etc.