I read the entire article.  I had no idea that scientology was so....unhealthy.  As to why intelligent people embrace it, I believe it's because they have a need to feel important, and this cult feeds you this.  Like a starving person, everything is eaten.  These e-meters are just their way of making sure no one gets out, and if they want out, they can track the person through their sessions.  I feel so sorry for anyone taken in by this, because now this cult has the resources and celebrity power to keep you in.  Kind of like Hotel Califorinia, by The Eagles, "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."