I don't think anyone denies the right of the homeowner to do his own work on his own home. Start varying from that, though, and other arguments arise.
I don't think those are the issues we're concerned avout in this discussion, though. I think we're referring to the fraud that occurs when the homeowner pulls a permit to help sn unlicensed contractor ply the trade. Fraud and misrepresentation has never been considered a 'right.'
That's what it all boils down to: circumventing an attempt to use the permit process to enforce licensing laws. It has nothing to do with 'safety' or 'quality;' it's about having a license.
Now, why would the homeowner be so inclined to trust a stranger (who asks his help un breaking the rules), and so reluctant to trust his 'employee' at city hall?
