They are quacks to the extreme. It's like a mental patient in a hospital pretending he's a cop or a laywer or some big wig but really has no authority. These elders are the same way, they think they are the law of the land and everyone must bow down to them and worship them or they are gonna disfellowship you.....ooooooohhhhhhhh millions of people shaking in their boots.

As far as recording I don't know about the laws on your side of the world, but here in the U.S., it's really not illegal, but recordings that do not get approval cannot be used as evidence in a court.

But sounds like your typical elder......arogant aristocrat who would cower like a little child if his own children where threatened. Good for you, the better man.