From one perspective, though, isn't this old hat? Haven't dullards and by-the-book men often led organizations? There's the old sayings in business circles, "Incompetence rises to the top" and "Those who rule, shouldn't". These observations are especially the case in conservative groups that try to stem modernity. Besides, the vacuousness of leaders gave rise to the that very, very old saw, "The emperor's got no clothes on."
Suggesting the GB are mere puppets provokes the notion something clever and well-thought-through is going on. I think not. These men are playing "catch up" in a world that is increasingly driven, not by the staid printed word, but by moving graphics, talking heads and "Lights, camera, action". Educate through dazzlement. Kids love lots of moving colors!
The older this organization becomes, the more it copies the world. Nothing more, nothing less. We see and hear more from the GB simply because across all media, human personalities flourish as never before - and personalities sell product far more effectively than the printed word. And if they're your leaders, so much the better.
Do not look behind the scenes for explanations; look to the world of media. Those who are astonished at the chsnges within the organization betray a poor comprehension of how much the world influences the orgsnization. In some circles, this is known as a "mainstreaming effect", a process whereby usually closed groups adopt methods and mannerisms that give them contemporary appeal. Puppet masters ? No. Copycat syndrome - that's all.