I don't think they are particularly secret anymore, I think they've come a long way and diversified to try and remove the old ideas people had about them. However, I understand that they held considerable influence back in the 50/60s which is slightly... dubious perhaps?
There's nothing particularly wrong with helping a mate up and whatever but I think where my Father was coming from, he thought it was wrong that there are people in the World who benefited that weren't the best. He was a wishy washy Liberal back in the day which no doubt shaped his opinions a lot with the Masons. Nowadays, he sees them much more of an old boys club that just get together every now and then as friends do. But, are also active in charity work.
Finally, I was a bit wrong to say that there was a link as from speaking to people I've learnt that it was entirely appropriate for my Grandfather to achieve the rank that he did on merit alone.