I have the same thought! I think that maybe there are just different types of people, who think of different things as “charismatic.” What comes off as controlling to someone like me, might come off as “caring” to someone else…I guess…

Though I also suspect these cult-leader types aren’t necessarily all that charismatic, so much as their victims are in very vulnerable places and so, easily manipulated. The Alamos specifically targeted homeless people, drug addicts, etc. for just that reason.