You have recommended the maximum dose to others. For instance here to “most gout sufferers”: http://www.goutpal.com/gout-treatment/avoid-gout/allopurinol/allopurinol-dosing/
The reason I mentionned your opinion in this thread is that, while I disagree, I wanted Rebecca to be aware of your opinion. She might otherwise have assumed my opinion to be the opinion generally held here.
It is well known allopurinol has commonly occurring side effects, some of which are more dangerous than others. The generally-recommended precautions are unfortunately not sufficient in every case.
Obviously untreated gout is harmful as well but the choice isn’t between maximum dose allopurinol and no treatment but between various doses (or when someone has reacted poorly to allopurinol, between allopurinol and alternatives).