I look at it like this (Excluding end times, which I consider a supplement)
If players are using the rules to their advantage in how they build their armies, how does adding more rules prevent this from continuing? If you look at results across the country there are as many "net lists" on the bottom tables as there is at the top. You said you listen to Garage hammer. If you listen to it for a while, then you've heard Chris say that he relies on his build to do the heavy lifting and in tournaments. You will also hear him say he almost never comes in at the podium. He's usually in the middle third and a lot of that comes from painting points. I'm my opinion it's about the player, and not their list.
I think players should be able to take what they want, and TO's should run tournaments they would like to play in. In My event the only comp is. Small tweak to lore of undeath, however 25% of scoring is sports. If you want to take a list that is super tough but not fun to play against, that's up to you but you're doing while sacrificing a significant part of your overall score. So if when it all costs is your goal that list may not be the right answer.
The purpose of the game is to have fun, and in my opinion that goal is better served by being permissive instead of restrictive.
ultimately it's about having fun and building up the community. Most of the guys around here are great guys and should provide fun games for themselves and their opponents in my experience. Just because an event is comped doesn't mean I am not going to play. I am there to have fun, and drink beer, and have a good time with my friends.