Two Sets of Rules, the Good and Bad?

[PhoenixPhyre]

I think the primary controversy is over whether the DM should be allowed to ever use the PHB rules. Some people say "yes, sometimes that is appropriate" and some people say "why would you ever want to do that?" which may or may not be the same thing as "no".

5E's official position is "yes, sometimes", per the 5E DMG, but the WotC-published 5E adventures never do AFAIK so WotC's internal position may be closer to "why would you ever want to do that?"

Should be allowed to? Of course. DMs can do whatever they want.

Is there a better, easier way 99.999999% of the time (exaggerating for effect)? Also yes.