MountainEducator:
I will argue (and apologize in advance that I will not be able to respond until I get back to work) that taking on a chumra so that one can “fit in” to a more frum shul than he may be in normally, have his children join the “best” schools etc. is a good thing, as it shows his wanted madraiga vs. the one he is currently on.
Of coure I agree that if the purpose is to show off than it MAY even be Assur to be Machmir. (as always, ask your LOR)
Good story.