Sorry about the explosion of ignorance from your family. I put up with this as well from both my family and my fiance's family. Telling me all the time to take my mods off, drive faster etc, etc, etc! Even after a year and increasing my fuel economy by over 15 mpg in my Escort, all I get is my car would look better without my mods. Arguments have broke out between me and my mom, so I feel you there
I have to explain that there are things that my hard earned money can be better spent on, such as a WEDDING! My fiance still won't ride with me, which can be a win depending on your perspective
EOC is considered an advanced technique for this reason. However, all electrical components are still receiving power. You still have a few power brake applications before the vacuum runs out. The most EOC does for me is no power steering, which I prefer over power steering.