There is something that I failed to consider before, the holy spirit was acting more overtly back then in directing the work
Acts 8 29 So the spirit said to Philip: "Approach and join yourself to this chariot." 30 Philip ran alongside and heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: "Do you actually know what you are reading?"
Acts 10 19 As Peter was going over in his mind about the vision, the spirit said: "Look! Three men are seeking you. 20 However, rise, go downstairs and be on your way with them, not doubting at all, because I have dispatched them."
:44 While Peter was yet speaking about these matters the holy spirit fell upon all those hearing the word. 45 And the faithful ones that had come with Peter who were of those circumcised were amazed, because the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also upon people of the nations. 46 For they heard them speaking with tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter responded: 47 "Can anyone forbid water so that these might not be baptized who have received the holy spirit even as we have?" 48 With that he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
It seems the holy spirit was directing the work more closely, reading the hearts of those who were sincere as opposed to those who were just moved emotionally. Since tongues of fire no longer appear over the heads of interested sincere ones, the witnesses spend more time studying with people to see that they understand what being a Christian means. But I still see the society adding to the basic requirements that Jesus set forth to the Christians of the first century. ex: The baptism vows, accepting all the new rules of the church (such as accepting virtually everything the GB says)