1. I’m not avoiding any question. Family size is not an indicator of a level of materialism. The norm in Chasidish and yeshivish circles is also probably closer to 6 or 7, and is trending is lower. Most couples getting married are starting off on birth control, or start after kid number one. The gap between child #1 and #2 is widening in all but the most intense families.
2. I’ll point out what was pointed out before. They don’t exist any longer, mostly because of something else that is becoming increasingly less common in heimish circles – listening to rabbonim. In MO circles, the rav of the shul is listened to and respected more. There may be differing philosophies in what constitutes a shaila, but when they ask, or when the rav says something, it’s followed.
3. Still not sure what the dancing donkeys the amount of tuition says about a community’s level of materialism other than to say it values education more. But please elaborate. And I know from personal experience that they do accept that little tuition
4. Have you ever driven down Ave I? or J? or M, N, O, P, etc.?
5.OOT people (who aren’t the “Yeshivish” or “Chasidish” people the conversation is talking about) coming to shop for staples in BP because it’s cheaper to buy in BP doesn’t negate the point that the standard of living of the people who LIVE in BP, Flatbush THEMSELVES is insanely high