I think it is Elli's papers and arguments that particularly attract me. I have read Wintrobe's stuff you posted below, but it does not resonate with me as much your synoposis of Elli Berman (by the way that is your spelling, but shouldn't it be Eli Berman - one L ?)

I agree that the study of cults and cultic behavior is interesting, but my personal interest is in Maharaji's cult, and more specificially how I became involved and hooked into it for so long.

Even your summary in your few posts in this thread have been helpful. Thanks for posting here about it.