One only need look at the number of axe beheadings and ritual mason punishments brought in 14th Century (when they formed in Scotland) in the UK to know they were acting against their own in some capacity or there was a degree of infighting- the 'high treason' law (axe beheading or hanged, drawn, quartered.) I have a feeling was to punish desertion of the fraternity. It was reserved for the 'upper class' alone, and usually only men (brothers)- women were often burned (holocaust offering ritual). Hangings (the hanging man sign) were also common. Phased out eventually due to public outrage but likely continued behind closed doors, though I've no way of confirming. The fight has been long and without access to their knowledge and, as you say, the levers of power, an organized secretive group would win out again and again. That is, unless there's always been a resistance.