We had popes who actually adopted heresies and made the dictates parts of church discipline.  For example----the law of celibacy was supported by concepts from the heresy of Gnosticism.  The popes and bishops supporting celibacy are legion.  Nobody is accusing them of heresy.  If secular news published what this Gang of Four was trying to do---ordinary Catholics reading this----who have family members and friends who are being denied Communion because of concepts that these cardinals are support----ordinary Catholics would condemn these Cardinals roundly.  Sensus fidelium is a VALID concept in the church.   If the people, who have to follow the law, do not accept what the hierarchy is trying to shove down their throats----the very law/teaching is not valid.