Well, we do respect our clergy but we don't worship them. You should see our parish!!! I think it is the other way around. I've been appalled at the way prishioners treat priests.
There are some people who just need attention and they are the people like those you describe. They suck up to anyone who they think is ,in charge, rich, powerful and they hang on their every word. It makes me sick. There are needy people in every situation in life, not just churches and not just the Catholic Church in particular.
I would guess that this generation has a bit of a different attitude. Thank God. But the generations before us revered their clergy. Every victim says the same thing: the priest was adored by their parents, it was an honor to have the priest as a friend, etc. etc..
I pray for the church. It affects all of us.