Dear Sir,
While your write-up is good, let me point out that some aspects of the so-called god-men/god-women, which you have included therein, do not appear to be causes which 'make them tick'. Like, for example,
[FONT="]5. They love wide publicity and media glare[/FONT]: I think the correct position is that these godmen/godwomen need wide publicity and media coverage as an essential requisite for their undertaking to succeed. It is not that psychologically they may be attuned to it.
[FONT="]6. They appoint their own kith and kin at all important positions: [/FONT]This is not universally true. Take the case of Satya Sai Baba or Mata Amritanandamayi, their relations are not in all important positions.
[FONT="]7. They establish contacts with people at very high places: [/FONT]
This is only partly correct. The rich and influential people do tend to flock to such godmen/godwomen for a variety of reasons such as, (i) getting publicity for themselves as noble and religious-minded, at least among the devotees of that particular godman/godwomen, (ii) parking their black income safely, (iii) getting the help of the godman/godwoman in making contact with influential politicians, government authorities, etc. Hence, once a godman/godwoman, swamiji, establishes himself/herself somewhat in the public, he/she will get high connections automatically.
[FONT="]10. They live a lavish and modern life[/FONT]
This is not what makes these people tick. But they enter into this venture for leading a very lavish life-style. I can cite one real instance; in an enggagement ceremony in one relative's house, two ladies were talking. The first one told the other that she was going to the Ashram of one famous Guru situated very near to that house and asked whether the other lady wished to join. The second lady replied (I am giving in Tamil) "......avanA. en tampiyODu friend -aa irundavan taane avan. jOliyonnum kiDaikkaama alanjuNTiruntAn. Suddha pompiLai poRukki, rascal, avanayA guru, giru ennellaam chollaREL? nAn Avatu avane pArukka vaRatAvatu". I do not know whether the said younger brother is also like the guru, but the guru is indeed having a very high-class life.