Hope your house never catches on fire.
Seriously though; this thread makes me wonder how many TJ owners might choose not to come to the TJ Fest because they see posts shaming them for having a hi-lift jack or too many light bars.
I see where you're coming from; I really do. I've struggled with this myself on many occasions. But, I don't think that it's a real issue here.
a) Anyone who spends some time on this forum knows that, although we all have our pet peeves and opinions, we are willing to welcome and help anyone with any legitimate question. Even if they have an Angry Birds grill, "plus sign" headlights, 3.73 gears with 35" tires (on 20" rims), and a 4000lb winch...they still get (mostly) non-judgmental responses that are intended to help them.
b) As with anything in life, you have to have a bit of a thick skin to make it. On your own, that is. Unless you aim to be a total conformist; in which case, criticism is your lifeblood; yes?
I, for instance, have a few things on my TJ (including aforementioned light bars...that I really like) and have posted some things that were, in hindsight, not brilliant. But I still feel welcomed and, just as importantly, always get feedback when I ask a question (thanks gang!)...and feel appreciated when I offer thoughtful advice.
Yes, it
is important to have empathy; though, my personal opinion is that most of "The Current Generation" has almost no
true empathy but loves to pretend that they have far more than you do. But, it is also very important to be honest. Truly honest...and sometimes that honesty comes in the form of ridicule...we are Human, after all.
And, please, don't fall into the "you should not judge" trap as, without judgement, both societal and personal, where are we? Spineless creatures without a moral compass or a true basis upon which to weigh our own deeds or feelings; much less, anyone else's?
Sorry, kinda got on the soap box there.
No...wait...that's my point... It's OK to judge. It's even OK to be "mean" as long as you are not directing it someone who will be hurt by it (then you have to be more politic). The seller here will very likely never see this thread but, if he/she does, perhaps they will take the "hint" and learn something (not likely). Meanwhile, our forum members DO learn some things from such "fun poking" such as, just going with what is considered "cool" by the masses is not necessarily going to add true value to your ride and is often not going to make you popular with those who go for what is functional and/or adds useable value; and, spending gobs of money on your vehicle does not necessarily make it more valuable...again at least, not to those who seek real functional worth.
In the end, we have our right to poke fun; given a reasonable argument, just as he/she would have the right to poke fun at our choices; given a reasonable argument. I suppose it is the judgement of others, compared to the justifications behind our own judgements, that allows us to be better, more insightful beings; if we so choose.