Yeah I agree with much what you say Brisket. It might sound like a cop out but I believe many spiritual leaders with large followings isn't necessarily a good thing.  Thry end up become imprisoned by their followers. I don't think its possible to escape this. (You could say any famous person would succumb to this too)
True "enlightnmemt" whatever that may be seems to involve becoming a true individual. That doesn't mean we can't interact with groups and even be part of a group or even lead. But when you become dictated by it and you become locked in by it, and especially locked in by its limitations then its not possible to see the wider picture. I think then individuals potential power becomes suppressed and not nurtured and we just end up relying on external comfort to make us feel good. So we should all be careful. We all want more followers influence more people. But are we setting ourselves up for a trap?
Its something I'm weary about.