Who cares? Conversation is a 2 way street. These groups could just as easily be used to introduce new ideas to the next generation of Chinese leaders.
It is also about sending a message. If you do not quack like a duck, you will get into trouble.
An analogy is - there are plenty of undercover Mormons, Jews, etc who keep up appearances for their family's sake. They've found a different way that works for them, so why wouldn't these people?
tl;dr People are complex and if you are trying to control minds, often your efforts can backfire.
I believe in that, but I also think you're underestimating the effectiveness of social control when done competently, which IMO is what's China's doing.
You don't need to control people's minds, just their social acceptance and livelihood guarantee.