In a way you are right. But remember, we quite loosely use Buddhism for Dhamma. However, there are many types of Buddhisms developed later on that of course practice various sets of rites and rituals. Not to forget, prior to Buddha's period, there was no terms like Philosophy or Religion. Did Buddha established some kind of Religion. The answer is yes and no. Yes, because Buddha did established Monastries, Order, laid out certain rules to be practiced by monks in the Monastries, different sets of rules to be practiced by nuns, and for layman. That's why Buddha did started a Religion. There is one subtle difference between other religions and Buddhism. In buddhism, there is no middle man between God and Laymen. In fact, Buddha didn't accept the notion of God, whereas all other religions do so. Often, monks are looked upon as priests or Fathers etc of other religions. Nope, Monks and Nuns are not the middle-men between God and laymen.