[Ladislaus]

I think he was formally schismatic when he joined one or more of the Orthodox groups he was associated with.

Right, but I can't rule out that he had recanted or formally repudiated those prior associations.  This here is present tense.

[St Paul]

Right, but I can't rule out that he had recanted or formally repudiated those prior associations.  This here is present tense.

Yes, you can rule that out.
Moran was with the CO group, a schismatic orthodox group,  just 6 months prior to hooking up with fr. Pfeiffer.
Also, if Moran ever formally recanted you can bet fr. Pfeiffer would have produced such a docuмent.  
Ergo, it never happened.

[St Paul]

If blackmail were involved in Fr. Pfeiffer's case, we'd be talking about that third class of blackmail.

Exactly.
Which is why i agree with 1MT (and others i know) that fr. Pfeiffer is probably bewitched.  

[Ladislaus]

Exactly.
Which is why i agree with MT (and others i know) that fr. Pfeiffer is probably bewitched.  

That's quite possible.  With Pablo as the bewitcher?

[St Paul]

That's quite possible.  With Pablo as the bewitcher?

That's my bet.