The last thing anyone wants is a despotic spiritual leader sweeping people off in the direction of cult-like fanaticism.

I think that is more the case than not - and as someone who has moved through cult-like fanaticism, that's what I see.

I appreciate your perspective on religion - perhaps I should say your honest view of things. Personally, I'm not much for organized religions (with some exceptions) they've drifted too far afield into personal fiefdoms and the like. For them, God might be the "stage" they perform on, but agendas are more likely to be what appears every Sunday.