Let's take the current case of one Jorge Bergoglio.
We have a small group of Novus Ordo Cardinals who called him out for heresy regarding communion for those living in sin. What was it, about 6 of them? Now, clearly these men are objectively correct, that Jorge's teaching is in fact heretical.
Where are the other hundreds of Cardinals and thousands of bishops. Silent. Why? It's either because they themselves are heretics who agree with Bergoglio or they are too pusillanimous so speak up or they just don't care about things like doctrine.
Let's say that Bergoglio IS in fact a heretic, and these Cardinals are correct. How do you get rid of him ever if 99% of the putative hierarchy are either in lock step with him or worthless cowards?