Is the flock being softened up for new light?:
I believe the softening has been going on for at least the last year and a half.
March 2005 - Remember, this is when the new OM book was released. The text in the new OM book changed the announcement for DF/DA. It didn't change the status of the individual who receives the judgment, but how the congregation heard the announcement. No more do the friends officially know who da'd and who was df'd. A letter was read at the announcement of the release. Here is what I posted on Monday, March 21, 2005 "The short letter basically said that dubs recognize that there are thousands of organizations in the world but that only one has Jahs spirit and is following the bible accurately. The letter mentioned the simplification for announcements regarding df'd and da's but didn't get into any specifics at all about what that meant. The letter didn't address any detailed policy changes. "
Summer 2005 (to my best recollection) - We had a written review (once I get to my KMs I'll check on the date) and it had a question regarding the difference between "drifting away", "falling away" and "drawing away". Remember? I cannot remember the source material for the question but it is of note that they make a definite distinction about how someone leaves the truth.
2006 - various WT articles discussing following the F&DS without question. Mentioning those that doubt should have more faith. Article even mentioned that at times the F&DS decisions may not make sense to us - do what they say anyway.
2006 - The WTS is reviewing the new OM book during the School and Service meetings a few pages at a time. Thus pushing the obedience factor higher.
Between the theological groundwork laid in 2005 articles and OM book and the obedience groundwork laid and being laid currently in the OM review, District Convention, WT articles and CO talks I'd say the softening up of the flock has been underway for awhile and something new is coming.
What is it? Who knows. But, I venture a guess that it has to do with inactive ones who refuse to become reactivated. At what point when someone refuses to be reactivated into the congregation will the WTS consider that person as having "drawn away" - only the WTS knows. Others have said this already and I think they're right.
imho.