Cults consider themselves above the law, with their own brand of morality and justice, accountable to no one, not even their members.1 A Mason gets to keep his pay, property owned and acquired presents from relatives, inheritances, and so forth. In many cults, members are expected to turn over to the cult all monies and worldly possessions. Rational behavior is valued in Freemasonry. Suggestions and criticism can be made to leadership through advocated, proper channels. There are no 'suggestion boxes' in cults.
Masonic leadership is elected, usually annually.
No Masonic leader serves 'for life'. Should a Masonic leader act improperly, he can be removed from office. There is no single leader of Freemasonry. There are hundreds of Grand Lodges throughout the world, and each is sovereign unto itself. A Grand Lodge controls only its own subordinate lodges and no others.