I don't believe that ATO necessarily created the hazing culture. That has always been a part of VMI. From what I understand (and what I stated in my original description), the Blackfeet just reinforced the hazing culture.
I've made it a point to learn a lot about ATO. My younger brother ended up an ATO. From what I can tell, ATO holds Sigma Nu in high regard. However, I did work with an ATO alum once who referred to Sigma Nu as ATO's "bastard child"
Thanks for sharing information. Very enlightening. Come back anytime.