I have bowed out of games that this happens consistently in. Part of the fun of RPG's for me is the rules themselves. If I'm never going to have any idea why I'm rolling or what I'm rolling against then it ceases to be a game for me and becomes just playing a puppet in the GM's storytelling.
Different strokes and all that.
Agreed. I've run into a few GMs, surprisingly most if not all of them my age, that of the belief that GM is God, Golden Rule, etc etc etc. Seems like Legacy issues/misunderstandings. Before you think you're the Project Manager, or how you should run the game, realise you are NOT the one in charge, and you are not "Running" the game.
It is a game, with acquaintances and friends. They're the stakeholders - you run the game for their enjoyment (plural) and yours as well (singular). You are all equal in that regard. If you're doing something they dont like, then you're doing something wrong. Probably a good indicator that you shouldn't be GMing.
Ive Run into one too many GMs that a) change rules arbitrarily b) fudge rules in favour of their predetermined plot c) force character down avenues (Story wise) that want because it is their (GM's) story.
Anything you want to run differently from an established (written or otherwise assumed) rule or guideline, you discuss and get agreement with the group. If you don't? You don't do it. In the few times that I do play, I take comfort in the rules. I designed my character to be enjoyable and to know his/her capabilities. Not to randomly throw dice (or have them thrown) for your amusement.