You bring up some very thought provoking points. It makes sense that the conscience is (or ought to be) the spark of the divine.
I agree. Discovering that some of the imprinting upon our conscience has been an allusion can have such a profound and devastating effect upon us. This sense of betrayal brings some to conclude that the conscience can't be trusted and they rip it off their stern. I would hope that I continue to have the patience to sift the clay from the iron of what I have been taught rather than discard it all. It's not all crap and the good stuff is not all theirs.
I think the church would have us believe that if the conscience does not direct us toward all things mormonthink, it has no value. Unfortunately, this is one of the big imprinted lies that many of us unknowingly take with us when we leave. It makes one wonder if the hierarchy created such psychological meddling intentionally or if they simply did it in ignorance. If this abuse was intentional, they are truly evil.
Speaking of those that intentionally manipulate the impressionable:
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
(New Testament | Matthew 18:6)
I can see how such meddling is so offensive to one that appears to understand its effects.
I'll have to read up on reciprocal altruism, sounds like there are some clues there.