Syag: In the MO community I live in, these things are not considered “extra”. As for asking the shul Rabbi, yes, when I have a question, I ask the Rabbi of my shul. He is extremely knowledgeable, has semicha, and I have no problems asking him.
Now, does saying these things are not “extra” mean they don’t happen? No. There are women in the community who don’t cover their hair, or wear pants. However, the Rabbi will never say it’s ok, and he encourages people to dress more appropriately – in private, and not via fire and brimstone speeches like most Beis Yaakovs do these days.
But when it comes to learning, our shul is fantastic! There are shiurim every day, chaburos a few nights per week, and on Shabbos there are numerous shiurim on various topics throughout the entire day.
Are we Zionist? Yes, and proudly so. In our shul, the gabbai used to make a mi sheberach every week for Gilad Shalit. You should have seen him the first week he didn’t have to say it anymore – he had tears streaming down his cheeks! The love that every member of our shul has for Israel is amazing.
Our community also has a kollel that is supported by the community. They learn b’chavrusah with many baal habatim every night.
This is a real MO community.