The trouble with some of these definitions of a cult is that half of corporate America would be classed as cults.
Seriously, they all have their own language, terms for their employees (which is never just "employees") and you better be singing the company song in the daily standup meeting or else there will be a question-mark against your name for the level of commitment you're showing.
Many groups of humans end up exhibiting the same behaviors. Those that commit themselves more to the "org" get ahead, those who don't are viewed with suspicion. Those that are elevated gain power and influence, and inevitably mis-use it.
This is every company, every government department, every religion and crime syndicate ever.
But sure, people want to shout "CULT!" as though it accomplishes something. What exactly does it do? Other than make mainstream people think that we're full of hyperbole, because those nice people in suits and dresses aren't like those Heavens Gate people or the Jonestown group at all ...
The word cult means something, and it can't be the end of the spectrum that has its members kill themselves and their children.
Calling JWs a cult smacks of desperation to label them as worse than they are.
Why not simply prosecute them for the harm they do, in a factual way, which will be far more convincing. They are a high-control group. They adversely affect family relationships. They coverup abuses that happen in their ranks to protect their image. Heck, they have people spend far too much of their free time promoting their religion than working to care for their families.
There's plenty to go at without jumping the shark and trying to make out they are the Massive Manson Family.
