I find the amount of 'closed' questions on StackOverflow rather frustrating. I don't see how artificially restricting questions like this helps the site.
That said, I find the responses rather unsatisfying. Language design errors and quirks rather than unusual but useful features.
Counterpoint: I find it refreshing. In my opinion many otherwise interesting virtual communities degrade due to lack of some form of moderation.
I don't see it as artificially restricting questions. They're enforcing the rules that preserve the character and quality of the site. It's not arbitrary:
> This question is not a good fit to our Q&A format. We expect answers to generally involve facts, references, or specific expertise; this question will likely solicit opinion, debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion.
There are other places for that sort of free-form discussion. Separating them from the factual Q&A is a win-win.
They just decided they didn't want to a polling site. I think the programmers stack exchange is where these questions go now, but who can tell? Generally I just post my questions somewhere obviously wrong and wait for someone to tell me where they go.
That said, I find the responses rather unsatisfying. Language design errors and quirks rather than unusual but useful features.