Except that is not how it works. I am a 32 degree Mason in the Scottish Rite. People who claim there are higher degrees do not understand the makeup of the Lodge. There are only 3 degrees, all additional degrees are side work, studies into different areas. Blue Lodges at the foundation, Scottish Rite is the college, York Rite is the Church, and Shrine (and others) are the social club.
As a Past Master I assure you we don't seek out unstable individuals to even join let alone run a portion of the Lodge. Most Lodges operate on a seniority rule for ascension you must pass through each seat in the Lodge this can take years to become Worshipful Master.
Skull & Bones is not the same as Freemasonry, S&B was founded by the owner of the British East Indian Company to build an opium smuggling ring.