Those are good questions. I agree with Vervaeke on that point. And note that the article here isn't advocating for atheistic proselytizing. Yes, this is an atheistic argument, but it's as much for the atheist's understanding as for debates wit theists.

I have a couple articles coming out in a week or two on intellectual elitism that I think address your questions here. Indeed, I posit two ancient cold wars, between the rich and the poor, and between the deep thinkers and the unreflective masses.

Exoteric, theistic religion clearly appeals to the masses for psychological and social reasons, not so much for philosophical ones. Religion holds society together for those who need such childish, mythical reasons to do the right thing in life.