The core element of the Knights, at least as most commonly presented, was that they were ideologically motivated mercenaries who often helped clients (at least those occupying the moral high ground) by providing their services for free.
The Cult of the Saints Cameron believed they could commune with the spirits of Mother Jocasta and other Camerons, and reputedly took their marching orders from the other side of the veil. Not sure if the Knights factored that aspect into their planning.
Of note, they apparently used exotic minerals as part of their seances, and several tons of that stuff just dropped into the Wolf Empire's lap, as of 3152.
Re: the Clan genetics - if it were ever to come out that Jennifer Winson was, in fact, the offspring of Richard Cameron, the Winson Bloodhouse might have some instant super-fans.