Sorry. I feel the need to clarify. When I said that using the word "High Control Group" instead of cult was an attempt to political correctness that undermines the efforts of those trying to fight cults back, I meant to say the references in books and other official statements. The general population may not be aware that cults exists and how many of them. Hassan's book states that between corporations and religions, there are thousands of "high control groups" in America. Most publications would like you to think they look like heavens gate. That is why I think that if somewhere somebody suggested that in order to get a book published or an article on a newspaper you need to use the politically correct words, the image of the cult gets softened and the point does not come across as strongly.
Obviously the other can apply to interpersonal relationships. Like John well stated it, a granny can run faster than a 747 on take off if you say cult. This will actually undermine any efforts to wake up a loved one. Ironically I just used the word cult with my wife today, but I am at a different situation.