Those nicolaitans that you pictured have far more in common with catholicism than with Yeshua’s true sheep.
People control is the game, catholicism is the name.
And the vatican has stripped more people of their wealth than Hal Camping could even dream of.
YES. You need a "priest" to recieve forgiveness.
You need a "priest" to recieve the transubstantiated "host".
You need a "priest" to conjure up the "grace" that assists you in obtaining your own righteousness, via the sacraments.
You need a "priest" to get married, etc...