[SageRaven]

That's kinda like saying the MPAA ratings systems is ok because my beef is really with large theater chains that refuse to carry non-rated films. Large, entrenched authorities who provide ratings about [insert noun here] have historically been a problem.

[freehunter]

I believe your analogy is correct, I see no problem with it. Theaters do not have to follow the rating system. There are local theaters that will play unrated films, and film festivals that play unrated films. Likewise, while you can find some ESRB ratings on the Apple App Store, Apple doesn't really have to pay attention to those and are free to set their own standards. If a theater chain refuses to play a film because it is unrated, that's not the MPAA's fault. And I never thought I would be defending the MPAA...

Sure, large and entrenched authorities pose risks. There's not much that can be done about that as long as they're large and entrenched. The best way to ensure their power stays in check is to try to have their customers put pressure on them to clean up their act. And the end-user (you and me) is not their customer. We are customers of the businesses and organizations implementing their block lists. I understand your frustration, and as security professional I have my own beef with Spamhaus ratings, but the answer to that problem lies in comparing their ratings with those of other organizations and a bit of common sense.