Isn't the key to understanding Mormons simply the recognition that most active Mormons are simply people pleasers? Only Mormons who can break out of it can discover Mormonism is false.
I don't know about that people pleaser thing. Many of them (most of them) have no boundaries. There is a widespread sense of entitlement. Nope, not people pleasers.
To me, Mormonism is about obedience, conformity, control, and structure. Some people thrive in high-structure environments. However, I think a lot of adults get past the need for that, which is why Mormonism will IMO only spread so far.
The two main categories of Mormons are the leadership (the narcissistic, boundary-ignoring types) and the herd (the rank and file people pleasers). Not being royalty or narcissistic enough for a position, I was trained to be a bootlick by the "leaders" and my family. I'm still trying to be less of a people pleaser.