While HOA Board Members sign the same governing docs that other Members sign, they rarely comply with CC&Rs or Bylaws. File a complaint about their violation? It's ignored. They are the privileged few, the tyrants who feel governing docs are meant for anyone but them. If you have a special project coming up and you know that project runs contrary to the documents, just get on the board. Better yet, get appointed as Chair of the Architectural Committee and you can approve any project you can dream up. Seriously. As a board member you have a real advantage to push thru anything you want.
And that brings up the question, what benefits may or may not the Board of Directors get? Only the very honest reject opportunities in turn for their volunteer positions. Landscape committee gets their yard done by the landscape contractor, the President easily negotiates a cheaper price to paint his home or coat his roof when he's negotiating to have community areas painted. As I pointed out the Architectural Committee will approve their own personal projects (other board members will never vote against them). The Treasurer has first hand knowledge of which Members are in arrears. This is a good opportunity to either buy the home at a distressed price or alert their investor friends. Management companies have this same opportunity. Never fall for the line that the board member is a board member bc it's his turn or he's doing his duty. Most often there's something in it for them. They want the position and they will purposefully discourage others from running. Be skeptical of board members who covet their position so much they just will not turn it over to another.
If you have suffered HOA abuse, contact HOATruth.com. Dennis Legere is the principal advocate. Or you can reach me at EarsUp@iCloud.com. Full disclosure, neither are attorneys. We do this bc we don't like bullies. FREE.