I’m not lying. Your talking about this anonymously in a frum forum. That in itself shows you are not far removed.
As for the second point. That doesn’t prove you are regressing. Just the opposite, being part of a chevra where everyone is “better” is healthy for spiritual growth. Granted, in an “elitist” society people might skew the facts, but if that is your chevra, and these are your friends, then I think my original comment stands.