I've just found this thread and am not a mason, despite being asked to consider membership on several occasions. Perhaps my understanding is incorrect, but isn't there something in the Masons' Code of Conduct (or whatever it may be called) about always supporting/assisting a fellow mason who is in trouble, provided that such support/help does not fall outside the law? I think I'm paraphrasing part of an explanation my father-in-law gave me when I was quizzing him about allegations of favourtism, his point being, presumably, that there is a subtle but important difference between helping a fellow in trouble rather than giving a masonic mate an unfair bunk-up.
Perhaps one of you masons following this thread can give a more accurate rendition?