I'm a member of several initiatory groups that practice secrecy. The secrecy bonds initiates together and makes the lessons imparted more powerful. Such practices have antecedents dating to antiquity. If it's not for you, that's fine.
I think most folks misunderstand the use of secrecy in initiatic orders. If someone joins an order to learn their secrets, they will be sorely disappointed. Signs, passwords, and grips can have symbolic meaning, but they convey nothing the initiate is unlikely to already know. Some of the secret legends can be entertaining, but they, by themselves, won't improve your life. Rather, all these things are tools that, when used in concert, can bring about a change in a person. Not everyone needs or wants that, and that's fine.
Some people try to be experts in theoretical conspiracy. I think he is just more into the experimental side of the field.
But has the signal worked for others?