[Colofornian]

I am left wondering “why would I want to belong to any faith that considers itself to be the one perfect religion on earth” and further that I can only get into heaven if Joseph Smith inspects my passport and finds me worthy to enter heaven. What happened to the other guy that had that had that responsibility?

Well put original Q.

To answer your Q, Vendome..re: Whbat happened to the Other Guy that had that responsibility?

Well, not only did you hit it on the head about pointing out that Smith was the usurper -- the "passport...inspecter"...what I would call "Consent Central"...but per Mitt Romney's father's cousin, Marion G. Rommey, First Counselor to a few Lds "prophets" in the 60s, Smith apparently handed the Other Guy's responsibility to the Mormon church:

"This Church is the ensign on the mountain spoken of by the Old Testament prophets. It is the way, the truth, and the life" (Conference Report, April, 1961, p. 119)]

Utter idolatry! Jesus Christ alone qualifies as the object of faith -- He Himself constitute "the Way, the truth, and the life. NO man comes to the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

Undecided readers,
Whenever you see a church -- any church -- insert themselves into a role that's left for Jesus Christ alone...run...sprint! Your soul may be at stake!

[Vendome]

“This Church is the ensign on the mountain spoken of by the Old Testament prophets. It is the way, the truth, and the life” (Conference Report, April, 1961, p. 119)]

Really?

How can Christ now be in error?

John 14:6 (King James Version)

6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

You know, I as born yesterday but I am pretty sure it was real early.