I know from my own experience that sometimes even the most intelligent of people leave their brain at the door when engaging in "spiritual" activities. The culture of deference, obedience and group thinking can override even the most sensible of people.
Most elders are OK people, just trying to do what they think is right. It's not until your mind is freed of the reverting to type when considering WT related matters that you start to see situations for what they really are.
The sad thing is that people can have their lives wrecked by well meaning individuals.