“There is no chain-of-command in the Church.”
Sure there is and always was. Clearly St. James as an Apostle had more authority than St. Stephen who served at table.
I believe that is called a "red-herring" argument. The pope speaks with the voice of men. James spake as he was moved by the Holy Spirit he received on the day of Pentecost. Big difference!
What is the Holy Ghost? The Words and Power of the real Holy Father: Christ! Modern men and ministers may claim to speak with the Holy Ghost, but it is most doubtful. Generally, if not exclusively, they speak with the voice of the "fathers" (founders) of their particular indoctrination (e.g., their creed.)
I would recommend these verses by James as good instructions in righteousness (but it is all God's Word:)
". . . if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors." (James 2:9)
Would you show favouritism to the pope, cardinal or bishop over a poor, ragged man? If so, you commit sin.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." (James 1:5-6)
Was James asking them to ask James for wisdom? No.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17)
James said, himself, that the good gifts do not come from James. How about this next one?
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
Like I said, there is no chain of command in the Church. We don't need to confess our sins to a priest. Any Christian will do.
Philip