I could reverse it "Intellectual elites further complicate what should otherwise be straightforward matters" by religions and it would be just as valid.

Don't get me wrong. I'm largely on your side on what I want as values in my community. But I acknowledge that my values are not morally superior to others including various religious positions.

I advocate a freedom to position that includes the freedom to establish communities of like minded values. Everything isn't about the individual. In fact, the community is more important than the individual.