Enthetan
Master of Disaster
I think DM was playing Game of Thrones all through the 1980's, along with others. As LRH's mental state deteriorated, Scientology was ripe for a takeover by anybody skilled, smart, and ruthless enough to seize the opportunity.My understanding is that as L Ron became increasingly paranoid, he allowed fewer people near him. Before DM became a major player, one or L Ron's most trusted friends was Andre Tabayoyon. I knew Andre and his wife Mary very well back in the late 70s until 1986. Andre had served as personal butler, L Ron's personal protector and many other things. Around 1982 or 1983 Andre was cut out of the picture, though, and he was deeply hurt. Andre felt this was DM's doing and that Miscavige had intentionally and systematically cut L Ron off from his personal network. However, with L Ron's paranoia, much of this might have been his own doing, too.
DM's first target to remove was Mary Sue, who would have been the logical person to take over Scn. DM was the one who got her to step down as Controller in 1981. With Mary Sue out of the way, DM spent the rest of the 80's systematically getting rid of anyone who might oppose him, or who might operate as independent opinion leaders.