I want to be a little careful how I answer this.
So, to a degree that's how I see things too. That's what I meant by 'reactionary'.
However, I think there are some counterpoints. I'm sure I'll make mistakes here, as I'm simply not that across Satanism, and don't have much interest (even intellectually).
1)Whilst I personally see no value in this, the intent of having an atheistic religion makes sense in some ways. Some people see value in dogma, shared values, etc. Atheism gives none of that, but by building a religion in top of it you can get there.
2)Quite apart from a traditional Christian view of Satan, that figure in a larger mythical sense is pretty varied and in some ways miscast. I daresay this is how some of the Satanists feel in relation to society, so if you're looking for a symbol that is adequately religious, familiar to many, but commonly misunderstood, or understood in a parodic or limited way, it's a fair choice.
3)Whilst (as I said) I agree with your broad view personally, I don't think using Nazis as a comparative is at all fair (and I realise you weren't saying they were Nazis, but more just trying to get a reaction). Satanists are not out there disrupting normal Christian life, in the main. Whether I find their choice of symbols reactionary or not, it's really not my business.
4)Couldn't comment on their intelligence. I've conversed with a few in general terms and they seemed pretty intelligent, but I'd assume they run the full gamut.
