question... trying to follow all this....

"Well, apart from the branding part - that's just messed up!"

okay, that is a great example of the hidden problem. it is NOT messed up. It's their choice.

I will honestly tell you - stranger on the internet - that "branding" is NOT for me, not even in my wildest dreams do I have interest in that sexually or otherwise.... HOWEVER, as long as they enjoy it, are okay with it, and no one is physically hurt, do whatever you like, you know?
I'm not going to judge other's sexual practices - provided they are legal and not bringing harm... a stinging burn is the same as hot wax and spanking.

Again, I'm not judging YOU or their choices, it's just different. And not for me. Normal people do a lot of things that could be pegged as messed up. Gay people do a lot of things that could be pegged as messed up. etc.

IF these people partook of their own free will, what exactly is the crime here?
If someone joins a group, and is told to sleep deprive themselves, why didn't they just say "no thanks" and walk away? Were they PHYSICALLY DETAINED AGAINST THEIR WILL? Or did they do stuff, and later change their mind?
I guess we may or may never know the real answers to those questions.

That said, law will put you away based on a couple people's hearsay? Do you know what that means? EVERYONE WILL go to prison for SOMETHING during their lifetime. Scary ways.