What rules can't we change?
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 1. The platform that we're operating on is a 'given', since it's shared over so many sites. (We would have to fight long and hard to get special programming changes.)
 2. Basic StackExchange quality expectations as expressed in standard elements of the [FAQ][1], such as the the sections on Etiquette ("Be nice". "Be honest"), and on closing poor-quality questions and removing questions and answers.

What rules can we change?
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 1. Our scope -- it's wholly within our gift what questions belong here and what don't.
 2. The degree of subjectivity/non-constructive questions we tolerate.
 3. Our judgement and the corresponding guidance we provide on what makes a good question and a good answer (as long as we stay within the basic StackExchange expectations).

Edited to add: we don't have the freedom in any way to fill our site with crap.

  [1]: http://genealogy.stackexchange.com/faq