Lots of congregations went overboard with their own rules. I remember one congregation where the length of a brothers hair was determined by the PO. Even if you just got it cut and it wasn't short enough for him, you would get counseled.
But what was "law" in one congregation was either just a suggestion or idea in another hall. Four door cars were always encouraged for all JWs to purchase. At every assembly, at every CO visit, it seems that the suggestion was given to keep your eye simple and don't get burdened down with material possesions. Since our main use of the automobile was to further the kingdom work, then why would one want to purchase a car that can't accomodate a field service group? But it wasn't law in any of the congregations that I attended. I owned muscle cars, pick-up trucks, motorcycles even and never got counseled on it. But another congregation across town would really lower the boom on any young brother who drove to the hall in a sports car.
These "rules" weren't from Brooklyn. Usually they came from a power hungry elder, or group of elders, who was taking himself/themselves too seriously and instead of sheparding the sheep, they became what the WT likes to comdemn in Jesus day...pharisees. In addition, some of the worst of these men weren't happy...and if they weren't happy, then by god, nobody else can have a good time either. Since they were in a position to squash anything that hinted at frivolity, many innocent pleasures and possesions were condemned and many of the friends forced to give up something that did make them happy.
Many elders got away with this abuse of power because, as we were taught, these men were guided by holy spirit. To question them, to defy them was the same as defying the GB, or worse, God himself. So, we put up with the stupid little rules and laws, thinking that we were remaining faithful in the little things.
