[zoogeny]

> I believe such a society would quickly devolve into a dystopia and collapse.

The main argument in favor of totalitarianism/authoritarianism is pretty much always law & order. And the main argument against the prevailing power structure is pretty much always freedom (e.g. from oppression and/or protection of fairness in competition). So the question is often, what is more important to you, order or freedom? How much freedom would you give up for order, and how much order would you give up for freedom?

However, guilds aren't the only way to promote structure/order. As I said, the system in Canada is regionalized through state run organizations which are answerable to a democratic process. It is not through some secret cabal of "Masters" who make arbitrary decisions. We can achieve order without requiring esoteric fraternal societies. For all of their flaws, constitutional democratic republics offer a much better system of accountability.