It is meant to be optional.
They can be parallel to the main game while still being equal to it.
If religion is going to exist with actual ingame mechanics, some strength behind those mechanics should exist. Being the head of a major religion should be considered equal to being a king. Right now, religion is pointless, and stuff like this basically just mocks it. Why the hell would you join a religion if all it's going to do is take your cash and time, when you don't even get a cool title out of gaining influence within it, let alone any tangible benefits?
