Gadol, I agree with the sentiment that lev tahor is a cult. It literally has every characteristic of one – it’s insular, views any outsiders as eternally condemned heathens, makes its adherents live in squalor, has one or two leaders who everyone gives their undying loyalty and money to, engages in immoral behavior for the sake ot its continuity…the list goes on
I don’t believe barland’s followers are part of a cult. As far as i know, he did not separate them from the rest of the world and make them live on communes. He didn’t make all of his followers give him all of their money. He also didn’t regard any non-shuvu bonim person as a heretic. They live normal lives, except for the few criminals he had in his orbit. I don’t see the comparison.