The choice should not be made by AOAO Boards but by the government.  

Building codes are written to prevent property owners from harming themselves or harming others thru lack of knowledge.  After enough people die, the code writers make a provision mandatory.  

Like electrical wiring.  In the early days, everyone could decide themselves how to do things.  Many mistakes were made and people died.  The code writers then mandated certain electrical provisions and inspections.  Smart government officials recognized that the technical specialists knew way more than they did about electrical wiring so they approved the code for their jurisdiction.  Then less people died.

What makes the Council think that they are experts of fire prevention and containment?

Do what the experts have been saying since 1974.