Ok……..no exit gates….think of all the lawn guys, FedEx and UPS on the clock, traveling 30mph that Might slow to 20 because of length and width through the exit gates.

Then add on the resident that has great corner ability in a sports car take that exit area at 30. Then think about the resident that scares the crap out of you while you watch them drive, and think “that’s an accident waiting to happen” flying through the no gate exit.

Now picture yourself trying to frogger your way across knowing that nobody is slowing down at the exit, because that exit gate is gone.
One may be crossing in front of the exit gate, but you have a fighting chance, because they have to slow down or hit a gate.

Just my thoughts from many past experiences crossing while gates were down because of issues. Then think of high season, those who first time visit, may not take into account “that’s a human that I could have ran over” at that non gate exit

I don't know where you live, but I can only think of one or two gates that are before the cart path entrances... The vast majority are AFTER the gates...

18 years in The Villages and never came close to hitting a gate, fully understand that the county owns the roads, anybody is entitled to use the roads. Always approach the gates with caution. Never found a reason to challenge a gate.
I think of gates like a caution, not as an obstacle. Somewhat like a railroad crossing.

If you have ever hit a gate, I would bet that you are responsible. If not responsible, I would expect that you would not have been charged. Remember the video. If you were a victim, you would likely have access to prove your case.