Feif, while I understand what you are saying, at the same time, I think it is important about how one views things like that. Yes, if you view it as “women are restricted from many things”, then you will only see how such a lifestyle seems to disrespect women. But you can also view it as “women are able to live an elevated lifestyle by distancing themselves from possible misconduct”, which then doesn’t make that lifestyle seem restrictive, rather, it seems holy. With that perspective, women have the opportunity to reach such high levels of holiness, which would, in turn, build respect for them. It is all about the attitude one approaches it with. I may not agree with or adapt for myself such a lifestyle, but I do see how it can be nice for some people.
Unfortunately, the woman in this article saw these things as restrictive, and therefore discarded them. We see this in all groups of Jews though. It is so important to teach and instill a love and appreciation for our laws and customs, and NOT make it seem like we are forced into it, and must abide by these rules or we are horrible people.
I also don’t think it’s right to speak negatively about this woman. Speaking negatively about her won’t help her come back to her roots.