Many might want this gradual transition to be faster but the changes have come. They will continue through the adoption of more and more sophisticated methods of marketing. The basic model does allow for some groups to stall out at institutionalized sect if the group leadership actively insist on perpetuating whats called the "protest" aspects of a sect. IMO there does seem to be some resistance and that is why I placed them as between phases. Trying to oversimplify anything dealing with human behavior is fraught with problems but in general these stages do apply. Mind you that religions deemed as having made the transition to denomination still are damaging lives through shunning or unhealthful doctrine.
From Wiki these are 8 characteristics of a denomination. (not all groups make this transition fully)
- similar to churches, but unlike sects, in being on relatively good terms with the state and secular powers and may even attempt to influence government at times
- maintain at least tolerant and usually fairly friendly relationships with other denominations in a context of religious pluralism
- rely primarily on birth for membership increase, though it will also accept converts; some actively pursue evangelization
- accept the principle of at least modestly changing doctrine and practice and tolerate some theological diversity and dispute
- follow a fairly routinized ritual and worship service that explicitly discourages spontaneous emotional expression
- train and employ professional clergy who must meet formal requirements for certification
- accept less extensive involvement from members than do sects, but more involvement than churches
- often draw disproportionately from the middle and upper classes of society