Are the CBT/GET proponents members of a secret cult that believes psychotherapy can influence physiology and cure illness? and that they will demonstrate this to the world, starting with CFS?
Yes, I think that's it. I think they would be claiming the same of all illnesses if they could get away with it. If it weren't for the fact that the evidence so blatantly contradicts them in so many instances - people would notice and say "hey, that's crazy!" CFS is their jewel in the crown, because so far, the evidence contradicting their explanation can be ignored so nobody notices its crazy.
I'm sure of this, because these are the same people who endorse talking therapy treatments as a way to slow your cancer.
Plus, CFS gives twice because if patients don't like what you're saying, they can be dismissed as nutters (because you've framed it as a psychological problem to start with).
I'm sure others are less sincere in their beliefs though. I think some psychiatrists have tended to view CFS as a career opportunity, because its a big hole just waiting to be filled with their ponderings. And its just super fantastic now that governments and insurance companies start to see something in it for them.