I think you're thinking about this too logically. It's true that people often think logically, but a lot of people, especially young boys, don't. It isn't what the antagonist provided, but how he made them feel. He satisfied their need to feel a certain way. Plus he did provide the first pig (if memory serves) and he had previous rapport (I think he was one of the choir boys).

Civilization was on the edge and he pushed it over.