They rendered completely unselfish service to all those in need, that's what they did. That's how you become a Master.

Yes it is. And I think "Mastery" is a continuum. Using the martial arts as an analogy, we all start out as White Belts (if and when we decide to enter the dojo at all). Granted, most if not all dojos are run by a high-degree Black Belt, but must everyone forego the benefits of a dojo if there are no Black Belts available?

I don't think so. As long as no one parades around in a Black Belt before they've earned it, what's wrong with a Yellow or Green or Brown Belt (or several) helping the Whites along? And creating a viable spiritual community in the process?

Sorry to go on and on about it, but the idea of living in a small community of like-minded people is a dream of mine as well.