In a “typical”, consenting BDSM relationship, the sub has all the actual power. They decide what the master can do, because it is what they want/get off on (eg . sub likes getting slapped, consents to getting slapped, master likes to slap... everyone happy and on the same page). It is sexual roleplay. Not into this at all, but whatever... “behind closed doors” and all.
I agree with a lot of what you said, but with regards to these “pups” deserving what they get... man, that is a little heartless. These guys are clearly lost souls, some might not be too bright, all are far too trusting and I think there is also the chance that the “contract” may have been seen as part of the roleplay. They are getting off on a whole lifestyle roleplay.
Look up 1950’s Household Lifestyle Fetish.
https://submissiveguide.com/dsrelationships/articles/1950s-kink-an-overview
I think this guy was creating his own one sided, degenerate Muscle-Bear version of this. I think his pups were fooled into the fully immersive lifestyle element as a next-level type roleplay. Sometimes lost, lonely people will do fucked up shit to belong and feel “loved”.
We can be horrified, laugh at this, and feel a little for these victims.