Why not follow strictly? It is very simple. Chant Hare Krishna mantra. Because in the beginning we have no attachment for Hare Krishna mantra therefore the stricture is that you must chant so many beads. So, so long we haven’t got natural aptitude, natural affection for chanting Hare Krishna. We must follow these rules. But when you actually become experienced and advanced in Krsna consciousness then for a moment you cannot remain without chanting Hare Krishna. But so long we don’t come to that stage we must strictly follow to chant the 16 rounds.

From Srila Prabhupada’s lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.16-19 December 11, 1970, Bombay