Founding a Religion (part 1a)

Due to a question on the last post, I thought I'd expand upon this portion with examples before moving on.

1)    The most important facet of any successful religion is that it be exclusive:  
In the Old Testament the Jews are referred to as the chosen people.  Judaism still does not actively recruit new adherents.  Islam offers specific benefits for believers, especially those who die in its service.  Hinduism is a broad description of a number of collected belief systems, but in general seem to agree on the idea of reincarnation and that by following their teachings you can eventually reach some form of heaven.  Buddhism is generally considered a philosophy, not truly a religion, but also offers methods to be good and skip off the cycle of reincarnation.  One exception to this exclusivity may be with permitting entry into Valhalla for warriors (who die in battle) from other cultures, but I'm honestly not sure on that one.

2)    Within each religion, there is normally a hierarchy connected to the piety (or whatever characteristic is considered most essential) of the clergy: 
Augury was practiced by the Delphic Oracle in ancient Greece as well as by the Hebrews.  Asking gods or spirits for a glimpse of the future has been a part of traditions great and small, probably since religion began.  Great learning connected with an intimate knowledge of holy texts (Sutras, Scripture, Vedas, Qur'an, etc.) has long been venerated as have those who have a direct connection to the gods (often through asceticism).  If you're the great Caesar, maybe you're related to a god.

3)    Not every member of a religion can be a priest, but there are roles of distinction for those who show devotion: 
In some Christian church services, there are lay leaders who read from the Bible or deal with the business of the church.  Human sacrifice is an old favorite from many ancient belief systems, like that of the Aztecs (okay, only some were voluntary).  Native American ceremonies included many members of the tribe as dancers and participants.  A Hazzan is a Jewish cantor, who helps lead the congregation in the singing of prayer.   

4)    Ritual is a defining feature of religious practice: 
Rituals can take a wide variety of forms.  It is said that the druids would sacrifice humans by building a large wicker man (see the earlier movie, not the one with Nic Cage) and then burning it with the fellow inside (though there were no records left by the druids themselves, the Romans say some things).  Religious meetings of all kinds are conducted according to rituals (just look at the wedding rituals of different cultures).  Muslims are called upon to pray five times per day (though it's flexible) as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

5)    Music and art have also been used to create a mood in the congregation appropriate to the needs of the situation: 
Music and rhythm are extremely important in religion as tools for memorization.  Think how many catchy tunes get stuck in your head.  If you attend any religious service, listen to any section where the congregation speaks and you will hear a rhythm (public speakers will also do this).  King David wrote songs of praise.  What about the call to worship in a Muslim dominated area?  Art was traditionally used in all traditions because many could (or can) not read, to remind the viewers of religious stories and their lessons. The symbolism was much more complex than in modern times (try understanding The Garden of Earthly Delights, by Hieronymous Bosch, without a written guide), but understood by its audience.