not to discount your experience, but how do you know that your sense of being part of the core group that actually "makes things happen" isnt shared by many others who also feel that they belong to the group that really runs the place?
Unfortunately I think that "truth" is a tough nut to crack in political scenarios. Perception generally rules the day, and most of these teams that play that role are successful in acquiring the trappings of corporate power -- fast action on HR, access to the decision makers/purse stringers, and perks.
It doesn't last forever, because like in the Soviet system, these things depend on powerful patrons.