(no matter how the money is made) -- IS the group largely committing egregious exploitation (even crimes) and serial abuses in America at this point--and I should give them a break?

Sure, I freely admit that I am suspicious of all rich people (and I have been around and am closely related to a few--& have interacted with some who are national figures--just to say I DO know the territory). Guilty til proven innocent works for me (which is saying that there are some who are not so bad, but you must be VERY wary).

Sorry if you feel tarred by the broad brush but the brush has to be pretty big to cover the number of abusers and their enablers. And their apologists.