Authentic Hadiths (like the one I cited) are used to deduce rulings, much like rulings are deduced from the Quran. For example, the Quran prohibits usury/interest. The Hadiths expand on the different forms of usury (lending money for money plus profit is just one form of usury, there are several more).

I think this is enough to settle the discussion, as the Hadith I listed in my previous post mentions an action of a companion that was explicitly approved and encouraged by the Prophet ﷺ. In other words, this is part of the religion.

Here is another authentic Hadith that explicitly requires balance between rituals and physical needs[0]:

but still I observe fast and break it; perform Salat (prayers) and sleep at night and take wives. So whoever turns away from my Sunnah (Path) does not belong to me

Also[1]:

Allah is Beautiful, He loves beauty

Referring to how one should dress nicely and cleanly if he can afford it. And again[2]:

A strong believer is better and dearer to Allah than a weak one, and both are good

Strength in this specific instance refers to physical strength, not strength of belief. So people are encouraged to take care of themselves and not be weak and frail.

As far as fasting goes, the Quran explicitly mentions that Muslims are required to fast the same way as those before them were required to fast (e.g. Jews and Christians)[3]. It then goes on to exempt those who are weak or unable to fast (e.g. the elderly), or those who are traveling[4]. Clearly a form of caring for its followers and not overburdening them.

I don't see what Halal meat has to do with this discussion to be honest. Pork is prohibited, I don't think there is a text stating the reason behind it, be it health related or not. Different people may have different conjectures about the rationale behind the prohibition. At the end of the day; however, this prohibition is a form of submission if one wants to adhere to the teachings of the religion.

I feel the discussion veered off the original point. I mentioned Islam as an example to refute your point that all religions are cults that want their followers to suffer and live miserable lives, so as to shorten their lifespans. I then gave counter points that is not the case, as Islam exempts certain requirements at the time of need. It also provides mechanisms to preserve social balance, not just at the individual level, but at the social level by prohibiting certain exploitative and destructive practices, requiring financially able people to donate to charity, requiring that people treat their neighbors well, and many more.

A final example that comes to mind is that there were many Companions that were wealthy. Not once were they discouraged from pursuing wealth, or had their money taken away from them. As a matter of fact, we see the opposite. A man wanted to write in his will to give away his entire wealth to charity, the Prophet ﷺ told him that he should donate at most 1/3rd of it, and keep the rest for his heirs.

[0] https://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/1/143

[1] https://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/1/612

[2] https://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/1/100

[3] https://quran.com/2/183

[4] https://quran.com/2/184-185