It really is, these people could also threaten to use their influence to smear places as well. So small business owners may feel the need to kowtow to the influ

It really is, these people could also threaten to use their influence to smear places as well. So small business owners may feel the need to kowtow to the influencers' demands. Very much akin to: "Oh! You're the duke's nephew? Dinner is on the house, of course!"