Well, to me, they are an issue, because I am really annoyed by them today. And I really hate what they did to my boyfriend (and also what his family did to me)... so it is an issue for me. I wish it weren't, and I know it shouldn't be... but it still bothers me. Hopefully, after time goes on, I will get a hold of myself and stop loathing them so much. I know that it's not good to despise them... it's unhealthy for ME and it's energy consuming. I really wish it wasn't an issue for me, but it just is.
But for the MAJORITY of people... most people couldn't care less about them, as far as I can tell. Like I've said before, I don't think people really think too much of them. Most people just view them as weird and annoying, and will make a casual joke about them... like "Oh, I slammed the door in their faces!" or whatever. But I don't think most people consider them too relevant... although I know if the issue does come up, the most popular topic seems to be the blood issue. And most people are just completely disgusted and confused by it. But as far as most people's day to day lives... the only ones who really care about JWs are JWs themselves, and the ex-JWs, and those of us closely affected by JWs because of family, etc.