When gaming with my current groups, I prefer a less-restrictive DM -- open to re-skinning and making modifications to class features and spells -- in large part because I know the DMs and the players and I would not foresee players pushing boundaries that would be a bridge too far for me. I should add that with my current groups, I would also accept more restrictions without question, because they're good groups and I can have fun either way.
If I were to join an unfamiliar group, I would prefer a more restrictive DM so that I would know what I was getting into. I probably wouldn't sign on for an anything-goes D&D game with strangers or casual acqaintances without making it clear that I was in it only for a trial period.
I tend to prefer more grounded games. Several years ago I joined an online game that was advertised as limited to more traditional D&D races, but when my human wizard walked into the tavern he found a kobold, a changling, a minotaur, and something that I don't even know what it was. I tried to be a good sport and had some fun for a while playing a human confronted by all these oddities outside his comfort zone, but eventually I dropped the game. Just wasn't my thing.
If I were to join an unfamiliar group, I would prefer a more restrictive DM so that I would know what I was getting into. I probably wouldn't sign on for an anything-goes D&D game with strangers or casual acqaintances without making it clear that I was in it only for a trial period.
I tend to prefer more grounded games. Several years ago I joined an online game that was advertised as limited to more traditional D&D races, but when my human wizard walked into the tavern he found a kobold, a changling, a minotaur, and something that I don't even know what it was. I tried to be a good sport and had some fun for a while playing a human confronted by all these oddities outside his comfort zone, but eventually I dropped the game. Just wasn't my thing.