>>I am not observant, but I am quite familiar with rules :). My point was that one may still stick to some rules, i.e. not quite kosher in orthodox sense of the word, but still could be better (for that person) than nothing. After all, trying is already an achievement, and road to self-improvement never ends.
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>I definitely agree with that. The only problem is that when you climbed one level of observance you don't want to go down grade :)

In your case, it would be an upgrade; i.e., imho, it is not only compliance that counted, it is also conditions to overcome.