As one who was once an active player in the Old Catholic/Old Roman Catholic/Independent Catholic movement, I found this an interesting read.   I firmly believe there is a place for these groups in the wider "Church" life in the world.   Often these groups, never very large and often scattered, minister to those who fall through the cracks.  They are attempting to make Christ present in a fallen world.  Are there scammers, abusers and others who abuse their ministry, yes,  they are there,  just you find the same in the mainstream denominations.  And those abuse in the name of religion are all the same, no matter where they come from.  But I myself have had the ability to minister to those who would never darken a church door.  I have baptized, married, anointed and buried those in need.  I have communicated those who would never been welcomed at a RC altar, but were at mine because I welcomed anyone who felt the need of communion.  I don't own the Sacraments, they belong to Jesus.