[JBM12]

I am considering buying in The Villages, so thought you might like my take on this:
One of the reasons I would buy is for aesthetics and uniformity in appearance as this keeps home values up, so it's important that everyone adhere to the rules. It's impossible to let one display an item and then deny someone else this ability, which is why there are rules in the fist place.
Where I live now, some residents began shining the green "military support" lights on the exterior of their home. While a noble gesture -- and I certainly support our troops -- we had to stop this because it was a violation, and where would you draw the line? If allowed, we would soon have a carnival atmosphere in our community with pink lights supporting breast cancer awareness, blue lights supporting our police, red lights supporting heart health, etc. -- each very worthy. However, we had to enforce our covenants.
If I see lots of lawn ornamentation -- however important to the homeowner -- I WILL NOT BUY, for this would be a huge red flag to me of problems ahead!
My suggestion: Display your ornamentation INSIDE your house in a window. This can still be seen from outside by passersby who look, but it would not violate your contract.