This is an interesting subject nicely wrested away from a board troll
Personally, I wish that every Greek group would allow its secrets out. I love to study ritual and I'm a die hard comparativist -- it's hard to see all these similarities and not know if they're just incidental. (Which some of them must be.)
Moreover, the secret motto and meanings and symbolism of my organization are amazing and something that I'm so proud of I'd like to shout them to the hills -- "look! we stand for this!" I work my behind off to try to exemplify those attributes and it would be easier, for instance, if I were to be able to tell my mother, who unconsciously exemplifies those same attributes (but grew up in the anti-Greek 70s and is suspicious at best of my sorority), that she'd make a perfect sister.
BUT I took an oath -- a very serious oath to hold the trust of my founders and my sisters close to my heart. As much as I am tempted and as much as I may disagree with the practice, I'm responsible for my own actions and following up on my own promises -- which I do.
I wish that our inter/national organizations would view the doctor metaphor as positively as many of us do -- and those of us who are willing to put in the work and the effort and the respect for the rituals would be rewarded with a glimpse into another organization.
I like the wedding analogy as well -- even if you know the vows taken, even if you know where the couple lives and know what they wore and who they are, you'll never understand that marriage, because you're not living it.
Cheers to wptw and those who treat our rituals with respect they deserve.
But enough of my babbling. I think there's a point in here somewhere.
Good luck finding it.
Greekgrrl.