Yes it is true – Gerrer chasidim are bashed by Livishe, other Chasidim, and even some Gerrer Chassidim. Proves they must be doing something right.
All those “stringencies” that are referred too above, are all based on either halacha, found in Pirkei d”rab Eliezer, or other chasidishe seforim. None were made up by the Gerrer Rebbes Z”L.
And those “stringencies” are not for public consumption – they are taght to yungerleit that are considered worthy and yirei shomayaim to perform these “stringencies”. Not all are at that madreiga.
Our generation today is so removed and so deep in olam haza (whether they are aware of it – which makes it worse – or not) that anyone accepting upon themselves chumros, are considered weird.
Sorry – but if the hat fits, and you wear it – then wear it proudly. regardless of what people say. V’al yeivush mipnei hamaligim.
Funny though that most of those that make fun, and crack stupid jokes, ending up running to Ger when in need of a yeshua.
And I agree with previous posters – this is not an issue to write about in YW, nor anywhere else. Actually, the Chofetz Chaim doesn’t allow these discussions anywhere at all.