So, Wizards, Clerics, and Druids, specifically and only, do not have access to spells outside the CRB without "Learning a Spell". This is where the logic of the ruling breakdown for me.
Ignore Cleric and Druid for the moment, since they are unique in gaining access to all spells on their list (ignoring this stupidity). So, a Wizard is limited to CRB, but a Sorceror is not? What goal does that restriction serve?
It can't be a balance concern, because it only applies to some classes, not others. If the spells themselves are balanced, why restrict them at all? If the spells are not balanced, why allow access to any class without restriction?
Is it because the classes involved are not limited in the number of spells they can know? Wizards can learn an infinite number of spells, and our divine duo automatically "know" all spells they are capable of casting. That's the only common thread between the 3 classes and the restriction. But that's supposedly balanced by the fact that they need to choose each day what portion of those spells they can cast.
Are there any other prepared caster that is not limited to CRB spells?
Some have mentioned the rule as allowing GM control over content (and OP being the Ultimate GM in Society). But that makes no sense because they only have that control over these 3 classes, but no others.
Further, OP already HAS an existing way to control content. Content has to be approved for Society play, and can be made limited or restricted.
So, yeah. I truly don't see what purpose this rule serves. It defeats part of the purpose of having generalized spell lists (suddenly, I can't just say I can take any <X> spell, I can only take an <X> spell from CRB), and seems to be restriction for the sake of restriction. I'll personally be ignoring it if the current ruling stands.
