This excerpt from Charles Stross's The Rapture of the Nerds paints a vivid and provocative picture rife with social and moral complexities. The juxtaposition of the terms 'pulchritudinous' and 'protestant puritan plutocratic' immediately pulls the reader into a world of contradiction—beauty mingled with austerity and wealth entangled with strict moralism. The rumination on 'depraved and perverted practices' tied to a religious institution evokes a centuries-old tension between public moral expectations and private behaviors. Stross here seems to be peeling back the facade of revered social structures to reveal a seedy underbelly of human desires and vulnerabilities. The inclusion of 'shadowy bacchanalian polyamorous practices' brings in themes of secrecy, taboo, and non-traditional relationships, all of which add layers of complexity to the character or institution depicted.

Of particular interest is the final commentary suggesting blackmail. This implies a power imbalance exploited through secrets and social judgment, which is a timeless aspect of human interaction. The presence of blackmail unwinds a narrative about control and coercion that often lies behind scandals and rumors within closed communities.

Overall, this quote challenges readers to confront the dissonance between image and reality, public puritanism versus private hedonism, and the dynamics of power lurking behind social facades. It provides fertile ground for exploring themes of hypocrisy, power, sexuality, and vulnerability, making it an insightful reflection on the human condition and societal norms.