+1 - this frustrates me as well. I've done with hardcopy and the various "draft" versions that can be found via Googling. You would think that you could get a copy of the "laws" you are supposed to follow without having to go through a bunch of hoops and pay relatively speaking a lot of money (yes I realize the NFPA != the government).
You're right that NFPA, ICC, etc. are not governing agencies nor do they create laws, they are associations creating products in the form of model codes and standards that governing authorities can then enact into law by reference, which subsequently allows those associations to sell their products, and apparently in whatever manner and for whatever amount they choose, to those having to comply with those laws. Unfortunately, I think the only way to avoid that is to create government agencies to develop and maintain the standards and codes, which is probably not a good idea.
While I'm normally a libertarian and generally agree that there's no organization that can screw up any particular thing with as much breadth, speed, and efficacy as the government, the NFPA is giving the gov't a run for their money with the opacity and self contradiction of the NEC code. Not to be outdone, the gov't takes the baton and ensures a lack of understanding and consistent application of the code by their inspectors (sometimes with truly bizaare requirements), completing the misery.
