Sean, I'm a bit confused -- in your description of "the 3 types of SSPXers", you describe BOTH the 2nd and 3rd categories as "2nd and 3rd generation SSPXers". Are categories #2 and #3 really both from the same generations? Just wondering if there were any typos there.
I would add another group -- FIRST GENERATION SSPXers, mostly Baby Boomers, who have so much invested in the SSPX (time, youth, money over decades of putting money in the collection) they are suffering from the Sunk Cost fallacy -- they've invested so much, they're committed, even if the outlook today for the SSPX is objectively hopeless. Also, they're getting old and tired, and have no energy for "The Fight" (Tradition) -- according to Boomer culture, they have worked hard all their life, and by gum they DESERVE an easy, laid-back retirement for their Autumn years. "I worked hard to build up this church, and by gum, I'm gonna enjoy it!" They are frequently found saying things like, "I ain't goin' back to the catacombs! I paid my dues back in the 70's. We did the garage Masses, basement Masses, hotel Masses."
Baby Boomers are the same way (entitled) when it comes to having worked hard, "done their time" and therefore "deserve" a period of leisure and retirement in the work world as well. They're just extending this particular cultural belief/value to the realm of Church/religious practice. It actually makes sense, from their perspective.
But don't get me started on the Boomers. hahaha I must point out again, there are many good Boomers, including on CathInfo. Please don't take it personally, Boomers out there. But when I draw big-picture patterns about the whole generation, you gotta admit I'm spot on. And no, it's not a universal belief/value that by working hard from 18-60 you "deserve" any kind of ease or retirement in this life. Individualistic "retirement", where you are well-off for a couple decades before death, completely independent, not needing children-nuns-charity-or anyone to take care of you, living a life of travel, pleasure and leisure is a recent, American phenomenon that only existed since the US Gov't started the welfare state and "safety net" programs simultaneously in the 1960's. Even the Boomers didn't pay in enough to justify what they're going to get out of the system. So yes, it's basically an entitlement program, like food stamps or other welfare. It's just that the Boomers maybe paid in 20-40% of what they're getting out. But Social Security is an insolvent ponzi scheme, and that's a fact.