I haven't dealt with any of that... but mainly because the first thing I focused on was decorating my island, lol. I've also played all the previous games except PC (population growing is... the GC one, right?) so, when I first started playing this one, the first thing I wanted to focus on was the NEWEST aspects! But, I know lots of people are perfectly content with not decorating their islands. While I simply couldn't resist decorating mine, I respect everyone has the right to play however they want. That's part of the beauty of these games! Even if you literally just want to run in circles all day, if that's how you wanna play, go for it! Who cares?
I mean, I've certainly faced my fair share of judgment for TTing- which I find utterly stupid. Like, I remember browsing custom designs online and there were multiple anti-time travelling signs. Like... why? Is it a reminder to yourself? Or just to make guests uncomfortable? I also remember reading an article that was ADAMANT TTing was completely antithetical to the whole point of the game and will absolutely destroy your love of the game if you do it. Umm... says you? I've been TTing since the first game. It's a big part of the enjoyment for me. Frankly, it was frustrating enough that Nintendo themselves seems to be actively working against TTers in this game (with limiting events and holidays, despite TTing being possible in every single game so far). I don't need people telling me I won't enjoy the game if I do it. I enjoy the game plenty, thanks. Right now I'm in November, collecting mushrooms, and having a blast while doing it.
Honestly, I think some people work out their insecurities through critiquing how other people play the game. Some people get uppity about TTing because TTers will naturally be "ahead" of them (despite this being literally the exact opposite of a competitive game) and thus think they shouldn't be allowed to do it because it'll "ruin" the game for those who don't. Seriously, some people literally say that. And it's absurd. If they don't believe in TTing or whatever, then they should take comfort in knowing they're playing the game more "ethically" or whatever even if I'm "ahead". The fact that they're jealous seems to imply they know how absurd it their stance is (NOTE- I am NOT talking about all people who don't TT, ONLY the ones who judge and berate those who do- if you don't want to TT, that's cool! Play how you wanna play! I won't judge you, and all I ask for is the same respect)
Similarly, it seems your friends may be feeling insecure about their own islands. Some people see how other people decorate theirs online and feel competitive about it. So seeing someone who DOESN'T spend any time decorating outside on their island? It may make them feel ever more insecure... because now they're literally insecure about being insecure because they're faced with the fact that not EVERYONE obsesses about the outside of their islands like they've been. So they may be hoping to rope you into the whole "must have a perfectly decorated island" camp in order to feel better about their own choices. Of course, it may not be so deep. But I think a lot of the reason people judge why others play is insecurity.
I mean, if you feel secure in your play style, why would you care how someone else plays? I feel confident that I'm playing the best way I can for my own enjoyment. Therefore, I really don't care about how anyone else plays. I get annoyed when they actively judge others (If people talk about how THEY don't like to TT, that's cool. If people tell me why I shouldn't TT- nuh uh. Not cool.) and if someone is actively cheating or trying to hurt others, then that's unacceptable. But otherwise my attitude is- you do you. Play how you wanna play, have fun, and don't let anyone tell you you're playing wrong!
Anyway... congrats if you read this whole post, it ended up being way more rambly than I expected
