Maybe it's because their political goals/views weren't conservative back then. They're hardly so even today.
And faithful Lutherans are?
To be honest, most Catholics are more welcome in the elite more than faithful Protestants. Catholic’s in this country are very much cultural (CINO’s). Faithful Protestant and Catholic people are viewed as a threat.
Honestly growing up we would fight with the German Catholics in town a lot, but when the Swedes from the next town over came, we joined forces. I thought it was just a Nebraska thing, till I read up on the 30 Years War.