2morecents:
When a well to do family spends money on even just a shabbos kiddush, they are guilty of perpetuating a tremendous amount of pressure on all of the poorer familes in our khal.
What you really mean to say is:
When a well to do, or even poor family who has budgeted somewhat and has some savings, spends money on even just a shabbos kiddush, they are placing a tremendous amount of pressure on all of the familes that did not plan, or plans fell through, and feel the need to keep up with the Cohens’ in our khal.
That is a valid point.
Your post references a number of times “the need of others to keep up” with you. Do you consider that a Chisaron of yours or of theirs? Do your feelings extend to other areas as well, such as feeling the need to have the smallest home or the shabbiest clothes?
If you feel guilty for having, I hear Mod80 is collecting. Just send him your Paypal via E-mail. 🙂