Jim,
I disagree with your equation "Post subject: Qxstar=MLM=Cult" that all MLM are cults. Insurance companies, realtors, mortgage brokers, and even many web hosting companies use the format. MLM is simply a marketing method rewarding those who promote the company and turn that promotion into sales. If we were talking about an insurance company marketing plan, we would need to differentiate between the way some individuals within a company market vs how others within the same company market.
The bottom line questions shoud be:
- "Is the marketing plan sound?"
"Are the people I'm working with credible?"
"Is the product or service of good value?"
Your analogy of the sociology of cults is great. That sums up much of the "bad apples" approach to MLM.
Just my opinions - for what its worth :)