My experience with modern theologians (I know a few minor ones),  I also come across them  online, is that they want to be a part of the decision-making process in the church. They tend to be unhappy with the role that they have vis-a-vis the Bishops and the Cardinals, mostly because they disagree with them and want to be part of the "rule-making" elite in the church. It seems that they want to make the church over into their own "image" of what they think the church should be. From what I hear from them I would not be in favor of this. 
So yes I think they want to change and control the church. I also find them to be extremely lacking in charity to anyone they disagree with (Benedict XVI come to mind, and he was a theologian before he became Pope,) Do you not think that the "I know about church matters best, because I am a 'theologian' " attitude is not at least a little lacking in humility?  Before you say it yes...sometimes Bishops and Cardinals also lack humility.