I am not against chumros. I have some of my own!!
HOWEVER - just about every chumra comes along with an accompanying kula.
For example - every chumra that takes time is a kula in limmud Torah. Instead of spending 8 hours looking for that deluxe king david esrog, one could spend that time learning Torah.
Every chumra that costs money is a kula in tzdaka. Instead of spending extra money for the best hechsher, one could eat perfectly kosher and spend the extra money to feed a hungry person.
Some people have a chumra to maaser everything they eat even though it has already been maasered. That is holy but it means throwing away good edible food.
Not relying on the heter mechira [I don't!!!], means instead buying from and supporting our sworn enemies.
Chumros in Taharas Hamishpacha are kulos in Shalom Bayis. One could keep the Onas Ohr Zarua [for example], but if one does then it means he will lose closeness with his wife.
Chumros in Tzniyus are often kulos in Bein Adam La-chaveiro. Not looking at or speaking to women is holy but it is also offensive at times.
Many chumros inconvenience others - such as one's parents, spouse and children.
Chumros can often make one look down on others and think that he is better. Is it worth it??
Chumros in Hilchos Shabbos can often impede one's oneg Shabbos - which is ALSO a mitzva.
So chumros can be GREAT - but always remember the other side.
