I have read several sites recommendations for WordPress file permissions. The standard recommendation is 755 for directories and 644 for files (or at least PHP files).

After making that change, I have spent the last two days correcting that error.

Specifically:

• There are cache directories that need write permissions
• If you update a plugin, write permissions are needed.
• Autoupdate needs write permissions on many files
• BackupBuddy needs…

You get the point.