Well, I'm not sure that I agree. I think the situation is quite straightforward: devotees as such have no power over initiates as such.
Of course, sometimes the intiates will be the devotee's followers, as in Darran's example, but that is separarate, a case of leader/follower. And devotees may be more likely than initiates to rise to high social, political or religious rank, but again this becomes a matter of temporal authority.
Think of it this way. A Catholic priest of no particular distinction has within his congregation a highly-regarded theologian and charity worker, who has had an audience with the Pope, worked with Mother Theresa, etc. The priest may feel rather jealous of this 'devotee' but either way, he will probably show a degree of respect, even deference towards him. I'd imagine the views of the 'devotee' would be taken very seriously. However, while that 'devotee' has _influence_ and _moral authority_, he has no right to _command_ the priest in any way.
Likewise other 'initiates' within the congregation. They may look up to the 'devotee' but he cannot tell them what to do -- and, ultimately, it is the priest who will lead the mass and hear their confessions.
All the best
Mark
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