In a power pyramid you take down the eye first and then work you way down the different levels all why using the top as misinformation to control the next level.

And I fully believe this is exactly what has happen. Its also the only way since everything is so centralized. For them centralized control was a perfect weapon to guide and control the masses in their direction. Its also a major weakness since this centralized pyramid structure can be used against them its pretty much one of the cults only weaknesses and of course the cult also had another weakness, they will always use harm in any given situation given the choice. I believe these two vulnerabilities was identified and used against them and it has been a massive victory. Yes, its been a costly war with massive collateral damage but it was the only way.