However, the trans community is fairly critical of them, considering them to be gatekeepers. [1] [2]

For instance, while transition IS a big change in your life, many similar changes (marriage, raising children) have no such gatekeeper requirements.

Comparing transition to these other changes is instructive: While it is clearly a GOOD idea to get lots of outside advice for transition, marriage, or child rearing, but it should not be mandatory. Adults can and should be able to make their own decisions about soliciting advice/wisdom from others. (see here)