I don't think it's quite accurate to say "a" bishop can act as a pope...but a cabal of them, in control of a national church, like the ECUSA can indeed throw their weight around like a prelate. There are, I am sure, methods as to how bishops can be disciplined, but since this is seen by the majority of American bishops (even orthodox ones) as a theological difference, NOT an issue of character and conduct, then nothing will happen to bishops, who seize property or abuse priests.
The only hope I see, is if a good sized number of churches, accross various dioces, agreed to bolt, joining or forming another denomination, the cost to the increasingly small (but still very rich) ECUSA denomination will be too much, and likely they would let the churches go.
Much the same thing seems to be getting ready to happen to the mainline Presbyterian denomination (PCUSA) too--as the so called "local option" allowing each church to "interpret" (read: "ignore") the denominational constitution as they want (hence ordain homosexuals, or "bless" their "unions") , will render the unity there null and void, and that's on the menu for their June meeting too.
6 of '06 looks like to be a bad one for the Church.
Due to simple demographics, church attendence in the USA is already in decline (especially in the mainline churches) and these thing will just make these denominations collapse all the faster.
But what could possibly be more important than a theological difference? Character and conduct are individual issues that do not affect the community of faithful beyond the immediate harm, but theological errors can do damage lasting centuries and afflicting millions!
There just doesn't seem to be a will to really fight, other than on the part of the pro-sin faction, and they have a demonic energy to them which is not surprising.
It's all very sad.