"Developers have it never had it easy."
Well, I've certainly had it "easier," it's gets harder and more expensive every year. But, that's OK, that's the territory, I just deal with it. Right now, I'm about to go for a walk through my nice suburban neighborhood.
Except for ranches and farms, everyone's home sits on what was once someone's open space view, or field to play in, or area to hunt and fish. And someone was unhappy when your home got built.
Yes, there will always be NIMBY's