I remember reading something about the Spanish Empire that has stuck with me for years. It was that everyone in power knew that the Empire was corrupt and unsustainable, but that since they all owed their power, prestige and wealth to the Empire, no one wanted to be the first to change anything.
I think even the Barney Frank’s of this world have their doubts, but what are they gonna do but soldier on and hope everything will work out? The Left is also relentless at punishing apostates.