I’m not sure when lakewhut was there last or knew someone there last but the above description is not quite accurate. True there are guys from all over but few from NY (who in this place would be OOT). True that the Rosh Yeshiva is indeed the central focus, but town is not a “difficult challenge to overcome” for the boys who are there now, things have changed over the years. And they strongly emphasize self awareness and introspection with an extra emphasis on spiritual growth (the kind that sticks).
If you want to be scared off by the clothing of the boys that go in instead of seeing who comes out (and some stay forever) that would be your choice/loss.