What is the ruling on following a specific madhhab merely because one feels an inclination towards it, or because it is closer to the time of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, or due to the ease of its rulings?

It is permissible to follow and adhere to the four recognized schools of thought (madhahib) of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah. However, one must refer back to the evidence and abandon the madhhab if the evidence clearly contradicts its position. As for the common person, their madhhab is the madhhab of their mufti, and there is no harm in them following one of the madhahib, whether it is easier or not.