Often when people see something they don't understand, they have to draw on their imagination to create some idea of what it might be. This can be illuminating - in the case of Masonry, mose people seem to think no further that the stereotypical fast buck / secret network idea. They believe that, because that's as far as their own imagination can envisage a purpose for such an organisation, that's what it must be.

My own experience has been that membership English Craft Freemasonry opened intellectual and spiritual doors which I would not otherwise have had the opportunity to pass through.   

I can't blame anyone for being suspicious of the Craft, but I can't see how it could ever satisfy the curiosity or assuage the hatred of non-Masons without destroying its essential characteristics.

I joined Masonry because I was curious about it, and my curiosity was rewarded by a transformation of my life. I would commend the same course to anyone (male or female - yes, the latter is possible, but not through United Grand Lodge) who has the balls (physically or metaphorically) to take up the challenge and join. You can always leave if you don't like what you find.