So at what point do patriarchs get let in on the joke?

I assume they're told to "listen to the spirit" and then they convince themselves that they're doing just that.

Never. Its turtles all the way down.

You won't find a more devout believer then those at the top.

My wife’s grandfather was a patriarch in the 80s and realized it was all bullshit, and left the church. We always thought it was sad, and wondered how a patriarch could leave the church.

I have a relative that is a Patriarch and he believes completely and thoroughly. He works really hard to have the spirit with him. He no longer goes to movies, watches television, etc. All free time/hobbies are church focused. He even changed jobs over it.

He definitely believes the blessings are inspired and strives to be worthy of the inspiration. He will do whatever it takes.

But It is also frustrating because the more “spiritual” he gets, the less compassion or understanding he seems to have for anyone not focused on the “covenant path”.