[throwaway4aday]

It seems that you didn't understand the main point of the exposition. I'll summarize the ops comment a bit further.

Points 1 and 2 only explain how they are able to erroneously justify their absurd beliefs, they don't explain why they hold those beliefs.

Points 3 through 5 are the heart of the matter; egotistical and charismatic (to some types of people) leaders, open minded, freethinking and somewhat weird or marginalized people searching for meaning plus a way for them all to congregate around some shared interests.

TLDR: perfect conditions for one or more cults to form.