Great comment, except that many people do care "what these guys say..." on many matters. They also have the "pulpit", control over many purse strings. Many are skilled at p.r. and manipulation and have significant contacts.  The diminishing ranks of those who care is tightening and, caged - they strike out with greater ferocity of fundamental ideology. 
The reality you express that fewer Catholics care may help explain the "ecumenism of hate" that has emerged - forming alliances with other unlikely right wing ideological advocates .